Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PBL5023

 
TITLE Dissertation

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 30

 
DEPARTMENT Public Law

 
DESCRIPTION The dissertation will carry a 30 ECTS value and is a compulsory component for the attainment of the Master of Arts in Human Rights Law and Practice. The dissertation shall focus on a research question selected by the student and approved by the Faculty of Laws and shall consist of an academic analysis of that research question. A supervisor shall be appointed by the Faculty Board to supervise the student's research work. The dissertation shall be examined by a board of examiners appointed by the Faculty Board without any viva. The dissertation should not be less than 15,000 words and not more than 20,000 words.

Students are expected to submit their final version by not later than the end of the third semester or as the Faculty may instruct

Study-Unit Aims:

The aim of the Dissertation is for the student to undertake an academic analysis of a research question chosen by the student and approved by the Faculty. The research question must fall within the purview of the Master programme. The aim of the dissertation is to provide academic research that involves original research and is expected to be of a publishable nature.

The dissertation must demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the relevant literature and an ability to engage in critical analysis. More credit will be given for originality and evidence of independent thinking, whether in terms of the material used or in the manner in which it is presented. Merely rehearsing familiar arguments or reproducing material available in existing publications will be less valued and be rewarded with a lower grade.

The student is expected to come up with an original piece of writing which is of academic value and contributes to the progressive development of knowledge in the subject area concerned.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Master the subject upon which he/she has written her/his dissertation;
- Make concrete proposals for reform;
- Theorize on the subject matter of his/her dissertation;

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Write a well conceptualized, researched, methodological coherent and rationally robust piece of work;
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practice;
- Master research methods;
- Master the subject area in question such that s/he can publish articles on that area and provide clear legal analysis.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Rowena Murray, 'How to Write a Thesis', Berkshire: Open University Press, 2002. (LB 2369.M87).
- G.E. Gorman and Peter Clayton, 'Qualitative Research for the Information Professional: A Practical Handbook', Second Edition, London: Facet Publishing, 2005. (669.7.G67 2005).

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Dissertation

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Dissertation SEM3 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit