Module: Thesis/Practicum

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As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically.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	Thesis/Practicum
Module Code	MT5220 (ITS) / BAA1035 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinator	Demot Duff
Module Teachers	Andrew Macintyre
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

Both the dissertation and practicum are intended to afford postgraduate students an opportunity to exercise their creative, questioning, analytic, and writing skills in a focused and practical manner. Whereas the dissertation is a critical evaluation of a research question primarily from an academic perspective, the practicum is intended to expose the student to an analysis of a real-world problem. While their focus is different (primarily academic, or applied) they must each contain a substantial piece of primary research and students are expected to put into practice the theoretical materials covered in earlier modules. Students are given specific guidelines based on their option of doing either a group-based practicum or an individual thesis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a sound grasp of the theoretical principles affecting a defined area of a domain of knowledge.
2. Synthesize existing sets of knowledge.
3. Demonstrate a capacity for original thought, logical argument and the ability to discuss objectively and rigorously.
4. Perform primary research to explore further specific aspects of a problem.
5. Apply the appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies to a primary research project.
6. Analyze primary data and draw conclusions based on that data.
7. Appropriately reference all materials cited, using the Harvard Business School style.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Directed learning	12	Supervision - Review of literature, methodology, research, analysis and presentation of findings.
Seminars	8	Workshop sessions
Workshop	2	Library workshop
Independent Study	728	Independent study and work on literature, methodology, research, analysis and presentation of findings.
Total Workload: 750

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

The readings will by dictated by the topic selected.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Practicum OR Thesis	100%	n/a

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

Other Resources

None