Module: Thesis/Practicum

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Thesis/Practicum
Module Code	BAA1035 (ITS: MT5220)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10110	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Marty Reilly	Module Teacher	Regina Connolly

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

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None