Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE RFS5002

 
TITLE Dissertation

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 70

 
DEPARTMENT Rural Sciences and Food Systems

 
DESCRIPTION The dissertation study-unit will provide students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project at Master's level, applying both theoretical content and skills learned throughout the course. Students will select a research topic, based on a particular subject area of interest to them (and provided that appropriate expertise for supervision is available - this will be determined when students apply for the course, submitting their research proposal). Students will present their proposed reserach plan for their independent project at a discussion seminar, in the early stages of their work. Students will be expected to work largely independently throughout the dissertation process, whilst keeping in regular contact with their supervisors. Students are also expected to familiarize themselves with relevant work in the subject area, and with appropriate styles/formats for academic writing. The independent dissertation project will entail standard research components including identification and clear statement of a research question, a review of relevant literature, design of an appropriate methodology to address the research question, data collection and analysis, and subsequent discussion of results obtained. Students will also have the opportunity of discussing their work during the oral viva voce session.

Study-unit Aims

The study-unit aims:

- to provide students with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project at Master's level;
- to provide students with the opportunity to delve into detail of an area that they are particularly interested in, and to develop specialist knowledge of this subject area;
- to enable students to become familiar with research methodologies and practices;
- to develop students' skills in conducting and presenting research.

Learning Outcomes

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

- Identify the main stages in the research process;
- Distinguish between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods designs;
- List, explain and evaluate different methodologies for data collection;
- Describe different statistical techniques (quantitative, qualitative) for data analysis, and select appropriate techniques depending on the research project/data available;
- Explain how scientific research can provide insights for management/policy in keeping with evidence-based policy-making.

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

- Formulate and clearly state a research question and/or hypothesis;
- Provide justification for a research project;
- Design a methodology for data collection;
- Select and apply appropriate statistical techniques for data analysis;
- Discuss the implications of research results obtained;
- Critique his/her own research, identifying both strengths and weaknesses;
- Cite sources of information in an appropriate manner.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings

- Wisker, G., 2001. The Postgraduate Research Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Peck, J. and Coyle, M., 2005. Write it Right: A handbook for students. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Rudestam, K.E., 2007. Surviving your dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process. Sage. ISBN: 978-1-4129-1678-3.
- Glatthorn, A., 1998. Writing the winning dissertation : a step-by-step guide. Corwin P. ISBN: 0-8039-6678-4.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES **September Assessment Session: Students who fail to obtain an overall pass mark will be re-examined in the Dissertation. However, the resit availability for the Oral Examination is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Dissertation

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Dissertation and Oral Examination (See Add. Notes) SEM3 ** 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