DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Dissertation
Module Code LC301 (ITS) / CUS1012 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School SALIS
Module Co-ordinatorFiona Gallagher
Module TeachersAgnes Maillot
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

This module leads to the production of a final year dissertation where students apply their learning in years one and two to a research question. The final year dissertation is the outcome of this process of linking theory and practice and is evidence of a student's ability to conduct and present individual research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to critically evaluate the relevant literature for their dissertation.
2. Be able to apply data-gathering methods effectively in order to gather relevant information relating to a topic.
3. Be able to analyse and interpret data and draw informed and logical conclusions from information.
4. be able to effectively identify and understand a specific problem or opportunity.
5. Be able to present ideas, arguments and information in a coherent and clear manner.
6. be able to analyse and assess the credibility of ideas, arguments and information.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture8Workshop-type supervisory sessions, compulsory participation
Directed learning10Posting of research progression at critical stages and reflection
Independent Study332Literature review, organisation of data gathering, data analysis, writing of dissertation
Total Workload: 350

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

preparing the context
carrying out literature review

analysing data
using theoretical approach and appropriate method to analyse data

creating draft chapters
writing and reviewing draft chapters

dissertation
finalising document to create dissertation in an appropriate format

reflection
reflection on subjectivity and the research process

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Extended Essay / Dissertation10,000 word essay100%Sem 2 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Bechhofer, F, & Paterson, L: 2000, Principles of Research Design in the Social Sciences, Taylor & Francis, London,
  • Bell, J, & Waters, S: 2014, Doing Your Research Project : A Guide For First-Time Researchers, McGraw-Hill Educatio, Milton Keynes,
  • Birmingham, P, & Wilkinson, D: 2003, Using Research Instruments : A Guide for Researchers, Taylor & Francis Group, Abingdon, Oxon,
  • Denscombe, M,: 2009, Ground Rules for Social Research, McGraw-Hill Education,
  • Denscombe, M: 2010, Good Research Guide : For small-scale social research projects, McGraw-Hill Education,
  • Gillham, B: 2005, Research Interviewing: the Range of Techniques, McGraw-Hill Education, Berkshire,
  • Hancké, B: 2009, Intelligent Research Design : A Guide for Beginning Researchers in the Social Sciences, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
  • Kothari, C: 2004, Research Methodology : Methods and Techniques, New Age International Ltd,
  • Saldana, J: 2011, Fundamentals of Qualitative Research, Oxford University Press,
  • Seale, C, Gobo, G, Gubrium, JF, & Silverman, D (eds): 2004, Qualitative Research Practice, Sage, London,
  • Seidman, S, Fischer, N, & Meeks, C (eds): 2006, Handbook of the New Sexuality Studies, Taylor & Francis, Florence,
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List