Types of Dissertations
Your final Dissertation can be delivered in one of the three formats:
(A) Standard Dissertation
(B) Design Thesis
(C) Academic Paper
Details on each format are provided in Presentation and Format of the Dissertation.
Field Research & Ethics
During your Dissertation, you are likely to correspond with other organisations and potentially collect data. In either case, the University have specific requirements that you will need to comply with to ensure that your interactions are appropriate and ethical.
You must discuss what you propose with your Dissertation Supervisor at the outset and ensure that they complete FET Ethical Review Checklist for Taught Modules for your study. And, if your plans include collecting data from third parties, you will also need to gain that ethical approval for your research project before contacting anyone outside of the University.
Evolving research questions and hypotheses
Research projects with few exceptions are not born fully formed – they develop over time. It is very probably a good sign if your research develops such that it is not exactly what you intended when you started. The trick is often to manage to keep an appropriate focus and context as the research develops – you should not be investigating all the interesting things you uncover, just the ones that contribute to a well-focused research relevant to your degree and the learning outcomes of the module. Your Dissertation Supervisor would have seen many Masters’ Dissertations and will be very useful to you in maintaining an appropriate focus as things develop, but only if you get in touch with them in a timely way.
Finally, Dissertations are most successful if you have a stake in their development e.g., the Dissertations should be on subjects that you care about. The other thing that makes them successful is if academics have a stake in them too, i.e., they are also of interest to the academics. The negotiations to bring about mutually interesting topics can make for painful starts and even some non-starts but we can of course directly suggest topics at any time if it is necessary – please do not hesitate to ask your Supervisor or Dissertation Coordinators if you are getting stuck.
Tips for Literature Review
• Construct a bibliography as you go.
• Ace my homework – Write down sources as you find them (including page numbers) so you can go back to them.
• Plan a system from the start, e.g. index cards, computer-based notes.
• Use the range of online and library materials
• Talk to the librarian, lecturers and researchers working on your topic.
• ‘Snowball’ from recent articles and reports.
A. Task 5: Final Dissertation
The last element is the final submission, which is worth 100% of the overall mark. This will be a comprehensive account of your research demonstrating achievement of the learning outcomes of the module. For details see sections How does the learning and teaching relate to the assessment? – Learning Outcomes and Presentation and Format of the Dissertation.
The Dissertation should include:
• An abstract;
• Content’s page;
• A clearly identifiable section in which you outline your Research Question(s), Research Aim(s), and Research Objective(s);
• A clearly identifiable section in which you critically appraise current theory, policy or practice which includes reference to the very latest relevant contextual information/publications related to your subject (i.e. a Review of Literature);
• A clearly identifiable section in which you systematically recount your methodological and analytical approach;
• A clearly identifiable section in which you report the outputs from your research in any relevant form, including critical appraisal and evaluation of your outputs in the context of recent, relevant activities of other researchers/practitioners;
• A clear identifiable section in which you draw conclusions in the context of your research questions, aims and objectives and the wider subject topic;
• References;
• In appendices – screenshots of FET Ethical Review Checklist Taught Modules and a signed Risk Assessment form (if applicable).
References, bibliographies, figure captions, appendices etc. do not contribute to the word count, just the main body of the text. Advice on referencing for the Dissertation applies just as much to the project as any other assessment.
Markers are not obliged to mark anything in the appendices, so these should be used for supporting information only and must be appropriately used and signposted in the main dissertation.
You are strongly encouraged to familiarise yourself with marking criteria as it will help you understand what examiners look for which marking your Dissertation.
The final hand in will be online via Blackboard. All submission details are included in Final Submission of the Dissertation.
15. Presentation and Format of the Dissertation
Your final Dissertation can be delivered in one of the three formats:
• Standard Dissertation
A. Standard Dissertation Length
This final Dissertation should be 14,000 words in length, including tables, figures, and photos, if any. There is no 10% margin on top of this. See the University’s policy . You must indicate the length of your Dissertation at the beginning.
The word count relates just to the main text. The title page, abstract, table of contents, acknowledgement, dedication, the reference list, and appendices (if any) should not be included. However, appendices should be used sparingly. For example, interview schedules might be included but not complete transcripts of all interviews undertaken; extensive photocopied extracts from other publications should be avoided. In general, anything that is important should be included in the main text.
Overall presentation and format
Your Dissertation should be set out clearly with pages numbered. The Dissertation should include a contents page, and any illustrations, figures and/or maps should be placed within the text at appropriate places on numbered pages, and themselves be numbered and titled.
Page formatting:
• Unless otherwise agree with the Supervisor these are A4 format, portrait orientation pages.
• Generally, depending on the font used, the font size for the text body should be 11 or 12.
• Line spacing should be 1.5 or 2 except for indented quotations and footnotes where single spacing is suggested.
• Generally, depending on the font used, the font size for the text body should be 11 or 12.
• Line spacing should be 1.5 or 2 except for indented quotations and footnotes where single spacing is suggested.
• Left hand margin must be 40mm and other margins (top, bottom and right hand) must be 25 mm.
• Pages must be numbered consecutively through the main text including photographs and/or diagrams included as whole pages.
Title page
• Title page should appear at the beginning and must include the following:
o title of your Dissertation,
o your full name,
o your student number,
o the award for which the degree is submitted in partial fulfilment of its requirements (your programme),
o your Supervisor’s name,
o the collaborating establishment(s), if any; and
o the month and year of submission.
• Further indication of appropriate formatting can be found by examination of past Dissertations.
• Following the title page there must be a page on which you make the following declaration:
This study was completed as part of the [programme title] at the University of the #$%#%^. The work is my own. Where the work of others is used or drawn on, it is attributed to the relevant source.
• This page should also state the number of words in the Dissertation (excluding the bibliography and appendices).
Sub-title page
This should include the copyright statement, as follows:
This Dissertation is protected by copyright. Do not copy any part of it for any purpose other than personal academic study without the permission of the author.
You may also wish to make a personal dedication on this page.
Abstract (200 words)
A single page summary explaining the purpose, method, and results of your Dissertation – including your conclusions. The purpose of the abstract is to help others decide whether the work is relevant and interesting to them. The abstract should thus begin with the title of the work, your name, your programme, and the year of submission. You should also try to write in a clear, concise, and impersonal manner – using no more than 200 words.
Acknowledgements
It is usual to acknowledge others that have assisted you in some way. This may include the following:
• individuals and/or organisations that have contributed information;
• publishers for permission to reproduce copyright materials;
• individuals that have given you advice and/or supported you.
Table of Contents
This should set out the page numbers of the chapters and main sections (including appendices) in the Dissertation – it does not need to include all headings and sub-headings.
You should also include page numbers for ALL your tables and illustrations. This is often achieved by including a separate List of Tables and a List of Figures (or Illustrations).
Main text
This is normally organised into several chapters and structured using headings and sub-headings.
The first chapter briefly introduces the subject area and identifies the main research objectives, the central question, and details of the methodology. Here you need to clarify key terms you use in your dissertation; state the limitations of the thesis (i.e. areas not covered); clearly state the original contribution to knowledge you have made in your dissertation.
The subsequent chapters explore the topic area in detail, drawing on and demonstrating grounding in existing work. Here you provide an overview of what research has so far been able to establish on questions similar to those you attempt to answer in your dissertation.
Next chapters should also set out the research methods, the analysis of information and/or data, and a discussion of any issues that arise from that analysis before the final chapter draws conclusions about the study. In this part of your dissertation you should return to the initial research question and reflect on the answers that have (or have not) emerged from the study. Here you show what are your main findings, are they significant and how do they relate to previous research you identified in the literature review. You should also address the reasons for any differences between your findings and those of previous research. In the case of survey dissertations, this part will normally be merged with the literature review.
Your conclusions should demonstrate
• What are the answers to the research questions set out in the introduction? and
• What have we really learned that we couldn’t have known before now that we’ve seen the findings and their significance?
This is a good place to bring out any normative or prescriptive implications e.g. for policies or practices which arise from your findings. Argue them – don’t just assert. Conclusions in research dissertations are not the place for journalistic comment, nor should they provide a mere summary of successive chapters of the dissertation.
When deciding on the details of the structure of your dissertation, bear these aspects in mind:
• The structure should carry your focus right through the dissertation and allow the structure of your argument to be recognisable with a quick flick through the work;
• Keep your own voice clear throughout – Do not undermine the coherence of your own argument by confusing it with what your sources are saying;
• Use structure as a tool, not a constraint. The structure should facilitate the logical development of your argument;
• Use about 3-6 chapters. Talk to your supervisor about your arrangement of chapters;
• Divide chapters into sections;
• Use subsections if they will help the reader;
• Show some reflection on your methodology;
• Use linking paragraphs between chapters and sections;
• Many dissertations fade out at the end. Think particularly about how you will finish.
• Have you developed an approach that can be used in other contexts?
• Does your argument lead us to rethink an existing approach or policy?
• Can more general observations be made in the light of the dissertation as a case study?
• Should more research be carried out?
Once you have completed a chapter, set it aside for a day or two and work on another chapter, then review it and see if you spot mistakes, poor explanations etc.
Tables, figures, maps, photos, drawings etc.
• Tables, figures, maps, photos, drawings can be very useful to present your messages in a concise format – e.g. a well-designed table can communicate clearly what might take several paragraphs of text.
• Reproducing any of such objects without change from a published work that is still protected by copyright requires formal permission.
• Only construct a table or figure if there is enough information to justify it.
• Don’t forget any of these elements:
– Object number;
– Title: The title should be brief, but an accurate description of the content;
– For tables: clear column heads, stubs describing the rows, concise data;
– For figures: think twice before you decide on the most appropriate type (is pie chart conveying your message better than a bar chart) label clearly all axes, add a clear legend – be mindful of colours and formats – Ensure that if printed, all data is clearly distinguishable;
– Maps, photos, and drawings: ensure that you highlight what is relevant – e.g. a building defect you are analysing.
– Footnotes: Note the source of the data used and facts the reader must know to interpret the table or graph.
• Finally, do not be afraid to use specialist tools to present your data – e.g. use ArcGIS for mapping instead of fiddling with GoogleMaps. After all, the dissertation is an opportunity for you to learn new techniques.
Referencing
Your Dissertation should acknowledge all published sources you refer to in the text, and should contain a reference list of all these sources (headed “References”) at the end. You may also, if you choose, provide a separate list (headed “Other sources consulted”) showing other relevant sources that you have used, but not referred to specifically in the text. For details see:
The citing of sources in the text of your Dissertation, and the list of references at the end, should use the Bristol Ace my homework – Write my essay – Harvard system. The details of this, and advice on how to reference a wide range of sources is available from the library web site
Appendices
Your first appendix is the screenshot from the FET Ethical Review Checklist for Taught Modules.
Other appendices may be used for presenting information that is relevant to the study but not suitable for inclusion in the main text. Examples could include:
• A blank questionnaire,
• Interview protocols showing the key questions for each interviewee,
• A spreadsheet showing the raw data on which your analysis and charts were based, or,
• Field notes from site visits, etc.
It is not appropriate to reproduce policy documents or other published material in your appendices.
Finally, if you include appendices in your Dissertation, then you should refer your reader to them in the main text so that your reader understands why they have been included.
Summative feedback and final Dissertation marking criteria
For Task 5: Final Dissertation you will obtain summative written feedback, which consists of comments made by markers on students’ assessed work which enables students to understand how they have met the defined assessment criteria and if required identifying areas for further improvement. Outcomes which have not been confirmed by an examining board shall be considered as provisional.
Marking criteria include:
• Context clarity and scope;
• Use of sources and evidence;
• Research design and methodology;
• Quality of the analysis of the material obtained/project undertaken;
• How well conclusions are drawn from the investigation; and
• Quality of presentation and standards of literacy. For details see Appendix – Marking Grid.
Grading
Percentage achieved Performance standard
90 – 100 Distinction
80-89 Merit
70-79 Pass
60-69 Bare fail
0-59 Clear fail
Context clarity and scope Use of sources and evidence Research design and methodology Quality of the analysis How well conclusions are drawn from the investigation Quality of presentation and standards of literacy
86-100 Imaginative and Deeply Impressive Highly sophisticated Excellent standard of Conclusions are fully Fluently and elegantly
challenging aims and demonstration of research/project design critical analysis and/or developed and very expressed throughout.
objectives. Very clearly command of data demonstrating originality and clearly articulated. High quality illustrative
defined and thoroughly and/or literature, excellent creativity. Excellent use They are fully materials. Consistently
justified in relation to drawing on an understanding of the of analytical framework supported by the high standards of
current, complex excellent selection of effective use of and relevant ideas evidence and analysis, referencing and source
theories/thinking on up to date, relevant research and design concepts and theories. and effectively related attribution. Work very
the topic. Scope and academically methods. All tools and Excellent focus on to the aims and effectively and
entirely clear and rigorous sources. High approaches employed project objectives of the coherently organized.
appropriate. level of critical are effective and fully aims/specification and research/project. High
evaluation justified in relation to design. High level of level of critical
demonstrating an in the research/project. sensitivity to problems reflection and excellent
depth understanding of Methodological issues of interpretation/ and or innovative
the topic including and alternative identification of consideration of further
contested ideas. approaches identified improvements and research/alternative
Sources very and critically discussed. further work. approaches.
effectively used to Excellent awareness
draw out the aims and and sophisticated
objectives of discussion of ethical
research/project. issues.
70 -85 Challenging aims and Very effective A very clear, effective Consistently sound and Well-chosen and Consistently good
objectives. Clearly demonstration of approach to methodical analysis carefully explained standard of written
defined and well command of data methodology/project and /or some elements conclusions. Generally expression, referencing
justified in relation to and/or literature. design demonstrating of originality and clear linkages to the and source attribution/
current theories/ Drawing on a very good understanding of creativity. Very evidence and analysis Illustrative material
thinking on the topic. good range of relevant, use of research and effective use of with references made well-chosen and
Clear and appropriate up to date academically design methods. Tools analytical framework to the research /project presented clearly and
in scope. rigorous sources. Very and approaches and good use of ideas aims objectives. Clear accurately. Work
good level of critical employed are concepts and theories. critical reflection and effectively and
evaluation appropriate and Mainly focused on careful consideration of coherently organized.
demonstrating a good justified in relation to project further
understanding of the the research/project. aims/specification and research/alternative
topic, including Methodological issues design. Problems of approaches.
contested ideas. and alternative interpretation carefully
Sources used to draw approaches identified considered in places
out the aims and and fully discussed. and some consideration
objectives of research/ Very good discussion/ of improvements/
project. awareness of ethical further work.
Context clarity and scope Use of sources and evidence Research design and methodology Quality of the analysis How well conclusions are drawn from the investigation Quality of presentation and standards of literacy
issues.
60 – 69 Coherent aims and objectives clearly stated and justified in relation to current theories/thinking on the topic. Scope clear but perhaps a little over ambitious or limited. A good range of relevant sources drawn upon, but lacking some breadth/depth in coverage of topic.
Demonstrates a good overview of the subject, some limitations in drawing out contested ideas/concepts. Some critical judgement applied. Some insightful links made to study aims and objectives. Generally good overall approach to research/project design but may have some weaknesses.
Competent but basic use of quantitative and qualitative methods demonstrated. Some justification of tools and approaches used. Some discussion of alternative approaches and methodological issues, but lacks depth. Some discussion and overall good awareness of ethical issues. Generally sound and largely methodical analysis, but limited originality and/or creativity. Evidence of an analytical framework/approach but not consistently applied. Some reference to relevant ideas concepts and theories. Some awareness of problems of interpretation demonstrated. Some relevant conclusions that build on the evidence and analysis. Reasonably well developed, with some reference made to project aims and objectives. Some reflection and/or consideration of further research/alternative approaches. Generally good standard of written expression.
Referencing and source attribution methodical and accurate. Some useful illustrative materials. Work generally well organized and clearly set out.
