- 400 hours of study for a 40 credit module.
- 6-9000 word written element and related practical work.
- 2.5 hours support (minimum) on the written element of your dissertation - the college's promise to you.
- Always come prepared with research and work development to maximise the effectiveness of each session.
- DEADLINE 15th JAN 4.00pm (15 WEEKS)
- Try to have a substantial draft submitted by Christmas.
Planning the Project
- Write down all questions that you want to investigate. For example if the topic is on graffiti, consider the history, interpretations, subcultures (form a base list of answerable questions about your topic).
- From this, select two. If possible, try to combine all of these into primary and secondary questions.
- Consider each on their own merits and focus on two.
- Write an A4 'first thoughts' for each. Include ideas and preconceptions surrounding your topic.
- What is the purpose of the study? Is your question researchable?
- Think about your working title.
Project Outline
- Consider timing
- Consider holidays/work/life
- Allocate timings to each question
- Plan a project outline
- Factor in tutorials
Literature Search
- Reading takes longer than you think.
- How much can you realistically read in 100 hours?
- Start by finding out key texts on your chosen topic.
- Focus reading on an initial assessment of this survey.
- Find key texts and plan time to read at least 1-2 texts.
- Find secondary sources.
Referencing.
- Start bibliography at the beginning of the project.
- Reference as you go along.
- Include all details (name, forename, date, place, publisher, page)
A book about organising and writing dissertations - Doing Your Research Project by Judith Bell.
Remember to search section 371.3 of the library on research.