Description
The aim of the dissertation is to enable you to undertake original research in any aspect of environment, science and society issues, applying and extending the critical thinking developed in taught modules. A range of topics and research methods are appropriate. The dissertation offers an opportunity to learn how to construct a piece of research from scratch, synthesizing reading and independent research into a coherent exploration of a specific issue. In doing so it is vital to recognise some constraints (such as time and word limits) in relation to the practicalities of investigating the chosen topic – but this is, in itself, part of the exercise. The course aims to foster an ability to work independently and see a complex project through from start to finish. The model for the dissertation is an academic research paper. You formulate the research problem, situate it within existing academic literature and justify the choice of problem and approach in intellectual and practical terms. Research dissertations should report findings from original fieldwork, such as interviews, or documentary research or analysis of primary source material of a textual, numerical or visual nature.
Students taking this module should develop the following transferable careers skills:Ìýcritical thinking, academic writing, qualitative and/or quantitative field work in social sciences, awareness of sustainability issues.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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