Module: Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Dissertation
Module Code	CUS1012 (ITS: LC301)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

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 through good organisation.
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.
7. Be able to effectively identify and understand a particular problem or opportunity.
8. Be able to communicate effectively in written or other non-oral formats, adapting to the audience profile.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	15	Lectures dealing with various aspects of research design and dissertation writing
Independent Study	302	Literature review, REC application, organisation of data gathering, data analysis, writing of dissertation
Meeting with Supervisors	3	One to one meetings with supervisor to discuss ongoing dissertation preparation and writing
Directed learning	30	Ongoing posting of research progression at critical stages of project (e.g. presentation of research proposal; submission of REC application; submission of chapter to supervisor to read etc.)
Total Workload: 350

Section Breakdown
CRN	10315	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Fiona Gallagher	Module Teacher	Agnes Maillot

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	10,000 words	100%	Sem 2 End

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

preparing the context
identifying the topic and research question and carrying out literature review

ethical issues
Identifying ethical considerations and applying for ethical approval from REC

analysing data
using theoretical approach and appropriate method to collect and 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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Frank Bechhofer,Lindsay Paterson: 2000, Principles of Research Design in the Social Sciences, Psychology Press, 183, 9780415214438
Bell, Judith,Waters, Stephen: 2014, Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 317, 9780335264469
Peter Birmingham,David Wilkinson: 2003, Using Research Instruments, Routledge, 190, 9781134483464
Denscombe, Martyn: 2009, Ground Rules For Social Research, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 252, 9780335233816
Martyn Denscombe: 2010, The Good Research Guide, Open University Press, 400, 9780335241385
Gillham, Bill: 2005, Research Interviewing: The Range Of Techniques, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 195, 9780335215867
Bob Hancké: 2009, Intelligent Research Design, Oxford University Press, USA, 142, 9780199570799
C. R. Kothari: 2004, Research Methodology, New Age International, 24, 9788122415223
Johnny Saldana: 2011, Fundamentals of Qualitative Research, Oxford University Press, 200, 9780199838356
Clive Seale,Giampietro Gobo,Jaber F Gubrium,David Silverman: 2004, Qualitative Research Practice, SAGE, 553, 9781446275733
Steven Seidman,Nancy Fischer,Chet Meeks: 2007, Handbook of the New Sexuality Studies, Routledge, 566, 9781134169238

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None