| CODE | GER5112 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Dissertation | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 30 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Gerontology and Dementia Studies | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The dissertation includes original empirical research that follows the following pattern: proposal writing, literature review, research design, collection of data, data analysis, critical discussion, and the presentation of an approximately 20,000 word dissertation. The focus of the dissertation is expected to be in the areas of ageing and/or dementia studies. Following the approval of candidates' proposal, the Board of Studies shall appoint a supervisor to each student. In addition, a research paper of approximately 4,000 words need to be presented over and above the dissertation. In the case of students not residing in Malta, the Board may allow them to perform their research project in their respective country, and the Board shall nominate two supervisors, one from the University of Malta and a co-supervisor from a reputable institution from the student’s own country. The names of the proposed supervisors shall be submitted for the approval of Senate. The supervisors will ensure that students are aware of the ethical dilemmas faced when undertaking research with vulnerable individuals so that strict ethical guidelines are followed. Students are required to gain ethical approval from the Faculty / Universty Research Ethics Committee in order to be allowed to commence the research. Study-Unit Aims: The aim of the research dissertation is to ensure that candidates are able to author a research proposal, plan an empirical or clinical investigation, conduct a rigorous literature review, collect and analyse relevant data, and present such research work in a coherent manner, as well as in a publishable format as a research paper. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - illustrate the range of social and medical traditions in research topics on ageing/dementia studies; - explain the key stages in quantitative and qualitative research design; - demonstrate the importance of adhering to strict ethical codes of conduct whilst researching older persons with dementia; - recognise the structural forces and interpersonal dynamics that shape quality of life of older persons with dementia; - distinguish the difficulties in observing and interviewing vulnerable subjects such as older persons with dementia. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - differentiate between the quantitative and qualitative research methodologies; - plan and conduct, under supervision, data collection strategies ranging from questionnaires to interviews to participant observation; - employ measures that enhance reliability and validity levels in research studies; - distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data; - conduct triangulation by utilising different methods of data collection in the same study; - synthesise research process and findings in a concise and publishable format - synthesise research findings in conferences and seminars to a public audience. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Jamieson, A. & Victor, C. (2002). (Eds.) Researching Ageing and Later Life. Buckingham: Open University. - Neuman, W.L. (2014). Social Research Methods : Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (7th edition). Needham Heights, MA : Allyn and Bacon. Supplementary Readings: - Bourgeault, I., Dingwall, R., & De Vries, R. (2010). (eds) The sage handbook of health research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. - Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Yin, R.K. (2009). Case study research: design and methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. - Wagner, W.E. (2103). Using IBM SPSS statistics for research methods and social science statistics. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. - Wilkinson, H. (2001). The Perspectives of people with dementia: Research methods and motivations. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | **September Assessment Session: Students who fail to obtain an overall pass mark will be re-examined in the Dissertation. However, the resit availability for the Oral Examination is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. | |||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Dissertation | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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