Module: Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Dissertation
Module Code	HIS1051 (ITS: HY508)
Faculty	History & Geography	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

Description

In this module students complete a dissertation of circa 15,000-20,000 words on an aspect of history of their own choosing. The topic is negotiated between students and teaching staff, who provide advice on all aspects of the project from initiation to completion. The dissertation is typically based on extensive research using primary sources. Planning for this large-scale project begins in the first semester and is supported by the Research Methods module. Students will be required to produce a thesis proposal to display evidence of the viability of the research idea. Substantive research is normally undertaken throughout the academic year. In Semester 2 students will be required to make a presentation on a chapter of their dissertation. This provides an important opportunity to gain critical feedback in a formative context. The dissertation will require students to explore the problematic nature of primary source materials and analyse the relationship between primary and secondary sources. Engagement with recent scholarship in the field and a synthesis of significant secondary literature is expected within the dissertation. Where appropriate, students will need to consider ethical dimensions associated with their area of inquiry.

Learning Outcomes

1. Formulate and validate a viable research question or questions.
2. Deploy effective research methodologies and embark on independent research.
3. Evaluate in a critical manner primary source materials.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of secondary literature.
5. Assess contested historical perspectives and the changing nature of historical interpretation.
6. Make an oral presentation of their findings.
7. Construct concise, original and well supported written arguments.
8. Integrate diverse forms of evidence.
9. Deliver a sustained piece of individual, academic research.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	6	Formal consultation with supervisor
Assignment Completion	40	Research proposal
Class Presentation	9	Class presentation
Independent Study	695	Independent research and writing
Total Workload: 750

Section Breakdown
CRN	10810	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Marnie Hay	Module Teacher	Gránia Shanahan, William Murphy

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Dissertation	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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

In Class/Online: Students will be advised by their supervisor on specific key readings,