GD5999 Dissertation for Graduate School Programmes

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Full Year

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

60

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Open to Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies students only.

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

By arrangement.

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The end of degree project takes the form of a period of supervised research where you will explore a topic in depth. The project topic must be agreed by the student, supervisor, and module coordinator. You will show your ability to undertake sustained critical analysis, develop and improve your research skills, and produce an extended piece of written work that demonstrates a high level of understanding of your area of study. The dissertation allows you to present your research in a way that emphasises your capacity to plan and execute academically rigorous research. You are also able to demonstrate your ability to produce an extended piece of academic writing (up to 15,000 words) that makes a convincing scholarly argument.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PERMISSION FROM GRADUATE SCHOOL DEPUTY DIRECTOR.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Project meetings with supervisor by arrangement.

Scheduled learning hours

12

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

576

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Carry out independent research into a topic in substantial depth.
  • Show evidence of their ability to undertake sustained critical analysis.
  • Develop and improve a broad range of applicable research skills.
  • Demonstrate a high level of understanding in a given area of study.