NG3D700 - Built Environment Dissertation 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Jul 2029 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG3D700
Module Title: Built Environment Dissertation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Built Environment
Module Leader: Thomas Lambourne
Module Team: Shane Galvin, Karen Le Feuvre, Darren Evans, Chris Pritchard, Trevor Price, Emmajane Mantle, Sithara Punam Kristombuge, Stuart Bunston, Jonathan Duckett, Angela Morris, Anthony Harris, Bowen Yan, Grant Avon, Joseph Crago
First Intended Intake: SEP 2028 Final Year of Intake: 2028
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100150 - construction and the built environment 100962 - research skills
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Aug 2023
Valid To 31 Jul 2029

Module Aims

To enable the student to undertake a detailed, research project relevant to their chosen subject area.

To further develop the effective research and academic writing skills necessary, to enable students to complete a dissertation that is based on a critical appraisal and analysis of current, relevant literature.

To provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently and use their own initiative, evidenced by the collection, review and critical analysis of data (qualitative and/or quantitative), and the interpretation and presentation of results.

To enable the student to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding and apply a methodological approach when completing a project independently, through an accurate interpretation and 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 proposal to be moderated and agreed with the project supervisor. This forms part of the summative assessment.

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 year. They will typically include (but are not limited to) project management, research methodology; collection of data; laboratory or field work; identification and review of theory and literature; assembling a theoretical framework; accurate bibliographic referencing; general approaches to empirical studies.

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

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Seminar 6
Project supervision 14
Independent Study 370
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Work independently and methodically with limited supervision demonstrating appropriate research skills and initiative. 
LO2 Clearly identify problems and apply appropriate technical skills, knowledge and understanding through research findings and critical analysis; evidenced by up to-date literature. 
LO3 Effectively present the findings of an individual project, through sustained argument, producing clear embedded recommendations.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 A professional research report that effectively communicates a research project containing: : the research rationale; aims & objectives, and dissertation outline; a comprehensive literature review on the chosen research topic; evaluative discussion and justification of research methodologies deployed (including primary and secondary data sources); execution of previously identified research methodologies; critical analysis and interpretation undertaken; conclusions arrived at, and recommendations made and reflected upon. 0 10000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Dissertation / Major Project 1

Reading List

Roberts, C. &Hyatt, L. (2018) The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation. 3rd Edition, Corwin, London.

Farrell, P., Sherratt, & F., Richardson, A. (2016)Writing Built Environment Dissertations and Projects. 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.

Naoum, S. (2019) Dissertation Research and Writing for Built Environment. 4th Edition, Routledge, Abingdon.