NG4T702A - Individual Dissertation 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG4T702A
Module Title: Individual Dissertation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Built Environment and Civil Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Civil Engineering
Module Leader: Jonathan Oti
Module Team: Jiping Bai, David Baxter, John Kinuthia, , Jerome Daly, Blessing Adeleke, Sarah Moses
First Intended Intake: JUL 2017 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 60 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100149 - construction
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

Using appropriate resources, undertake a major, comprehensive, innovative piece of investigative research, relevant to the student’s subject area.

To develop and demonstrate the students’ ability to gather extensive evidence, carry out a thorough and in depth critical analyse, produce sustained argument(s) and synthesise the findings of the research in a professional manner.

To enable the student to demonstrate their in-depth knowledge and understanding and apply a methodological approach when completing a project independently, through a thorough, comprehensive and accurate interpretation of results/data evidenced through a clear presentation of findings.

To encourage lifelong learning through continuous professional development.

Content Summary

Each student will select a relevant topic within the field of their subject area, and produce a synopsis to be moderated and agreed with the project supervisor.

A project identification pro forma will be completed by the student and signed off by either a senior person within the company who will act as the field supervisor, and/or by the academic supervisor to confirm if necessary, that resources are available to undertake the project in the field and/or University.

As agreed with the supervisor the student will undertake the range of work necessary to achieve the aims and learning outcomes of the module

A lecture series will be delivered at the beginning of the academic session. They will typically include (but are not limited to) project management, research methodology: identification and review of theory and literature; assembling a theoretical framework; collection of data; laboratory and/or field work; accurate bibliographic referencing; general approaches to empirical studies.

The student will give an interim presentation to a panel of academic staff from within the subject area, followed by the requirement to answer appropriate questions relating to the presentation.

The student will be required to produce a final dissertation in accordance with the guidelines on content and structure given in the final year individual dissertation handbook.

Following submission of the final report the student will attend a viva voce to verbally examine their technical and /or analytical knowledge and understanding of their final report

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 48
Project supervision 18
Independent Study 450
Directed Study 82
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 2
Total Hours Selected 600

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Work independently and methodically with limited supervision demonstrating appropriate research skills and initiative.
LO2 Effectively present through original work the findings of an individual project, through sustained argument, both orally and in writing

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Online) 1 A prepared 15 minute oral presentation by a candidate (followed by 15 mins of questions) before examiner(s), where knowledge, technical content, ability to answer questions and presentational skills are assessed. 30 N/A 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 A major written work reporting the results of a substantial research project providing a coherent argument about the topic addressed and aiming to incorporate an element of originality in the argument and /or the evidence used to sustain it. 0 15000 80 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Synchronous Online) 1
Dissertation / Major Project 1

Reading List

Allison B., 2004.The student's guide to preparing dissertations and theses. 2nd ed. London: Routledge Falmer

Ball S., 2012. The complete guide to writing your dissertation: advice, techniques and insights to help you enhance your grades. Oxford: How to Books

Berry, R. (2004) The research project: how to write it. 5th ed. Abingdon: Routledge.

Biggam J., 2011. Succeeding with your master’s dissertation: a step-by-step handbook, 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Blaxter L, Hughes C and Tight M., 2010. How to research. 4th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Creswell., J. W., 2014. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. 4th ed. London: SAGE

Naoum S.G., 2007. Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students. Butterworth-Heinemann

Swetnam D., 2001. Writing Your Dissertation: How to Plan, Prepare and Present Your Work Successfully. How to Books Ltd

Oppenheim, A.N., 1992. Questionnaire design, interviewing and attitude measurement. London: Pinter Publishers.

Fink, A. (2003) How to ask survey questions. Thousand Oaks, Cal. London: Sage.

Bell J., 2010. Doing Your Research Project. Open University Press. ISBN 9780335235827

Saunders research onion- A Step-By-Step Guide To Structuring Research Methodology Chapter For PhD And Master-Level Research.