| CODE | SWB3001 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Dissertation | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Faculty for Social Wellbeing | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The dissertation is an extended piece of written work which allows students the opportunity to choose a research question within the broad field of social wellbeing, and to investigate it systematically. Under appropriate supervision, the dissertation enables students to take a high degree of responsibility for their own learning, in terms of the choice of topic and the planning and execution of the research. The word limit is 10,000 words. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit aims to foster students' capacity to engage in independent, critical thought in an area of their choice, and to make a sustained and systematic effort to investigate their research question in a methodical and timely manner over one year. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate knowledge of what constitutes a good research question; - Demonstrate the ability to conduct a well-planned literature review resulting in an in-depth knowledge of the concepts and theories applicable to their chosen area; - Demonstrate an understanding of diverse research methodologies and methods, their strengths and limitations, and the ability to make an informed choice among them; - Demonstrate the capacity to analyse data from primary and secondary sources in a rigorous manner; - Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues in research and in relation to their chosen area/client group. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Draft a research proposal and translate this into a feasible plan; - Synthesise appropriate scholarship in the chosen area with evidence of critical thought; - Demonstrate the ability to collate and critically analyse data; - Identify the strengths and limitations of various research strategies and to make appropriate choices; - Develop the time management skills needed to make a sustained effort to produce a dissertation of quality; - Effectively communicate knowledge in a scientific manner. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. Greetham, Brian (2006). How to write your undergraduate dissertation. UK: Palgrave Macmillan. Holosko, M. J. (2006). Primer for critiquing social research: A student guide. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Nachmias, C. F. & Nachmias, P. (1992). Research Methods in the Social Sciences. London: Edward Arnold. Padgett, D. K. (2008). Qualitative methods in social work research. London: Sage. Schutt, R. K. (2006). Investigating the Social World: The Process and Practice of Research, Thousand Oaks, Pine Forge Press. Seale, C. (Ed.) (2004). Social Research Methods: A Reader. London, Routledge. Szuchman, L. T., & Thomlison, B. (2011). Writing with style: APA style for social work (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole – Thomson Learning. Walliman, Nicholas (2013). Your Undergraduate Dissertation: The Essential Guide for Success (SAGE Study Skills Series). London: Sage. |
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| 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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