Assessment Criteria for Dissertations
A dissertation module is a compulsory part of degree programmes in the School of History. It is designed to test different skills and aptitudes than either the written work submitted for other modules or the end of semester examinations. It is intended to allow students to pursue a research-based project, usually based on primary sources, and to present the results of that research in an extended format. Unlike either essays or exams, you have the time and opportunity to explore the topic in considerable depth and to develop an argument at length.
While not exhaustive, the following criteria are applied when assessing the finished dissertation:
- Initiative in identifying a workable topic
- Mastery of secondary literature related to the field of study
- Ability to use and interpret primary source materials
- Independence and originality of thought
- Skill in structuring a longer piece of work
- Coherence of argument and rigour of critical analysis
- Clarity and fluency of expression
- Professionalism of presentation, including footnotes and bibliography
- Appropriate use of graphs, figures, appendices and/or illustrative material