Module: GEO6001-40/1 Development and Sustainability Dissertation (Part 1, Semester 1, worth 20 out of the 40 credits total)

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Richard Johnson

Module Tutor Contact Details: R.Johnson@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

The ‘Dissertation’ is the hallmark of an undergraduate geographical education. This research project  is an opportunity to demonstrate how the knowledge and skills you have gained can be utilised to generate new insights or perspectives on global academic debates and/ or contribute to the evaluation of real world issues in conjunction with external (i.e. ‘industrial’) partners on projects agreed with the Department and/or University. These research foci are part of a spectrum of scholarship, sharing many common elements, but expressing different biases. A traditional dissertation is more likely to be an academic study, whereas an industry research project will be more aligned to the external partner approaches and thereby has a greater affinity with a consultancy commission and its reporting (but still requires a robust academic base). Accordingly the potential range of methodologies and techniques is wide, extending across the established breadth of staff/ external partner interests and expertise. Furthermore, the dissertation experience offers students the potential opportunity to meet employers from the development and humanitarian and sustainability sectors and to continue to formatively evaluate their skills and development, as personal development planning is inherent in the supervision model.

2.Outline syllabus:

Your research may require you to generate primary data, through one or more of: fieldwork, archival or laboratory investigation or contact with external organisations as appropriate. The research may also be a reconsideration and re-evaluation of secondary sources, through close, critical readings of existing documentary texts or archives. High standards of scholarship are required of all research projects, and your learning will be both topic-related and practice-related (e.g. risk and ethics assessments and compliance with data protection protocols)  as appropriate to your chosen research. 

This module will also steer you towards what attributes are in demand by employers and consider how your knowledge, skills, and evolving research may address these needs, both in the national and international workplace.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Staff will support you to identify, design and execute a research project that delivers agreed, significant and manageable objectives, with no excess scope creep (re: external projects). Supervision occurs according to general Subject guidelines on timings and activities, but you will negotiate the specific timetable with your supervisor. There may be occasional group meetings to discuss generic or common themes across a number of individual projects. You will also receive individual guidance, support and advice on your project in person during supervisory meetings and may also receive other support for your learning via email, discussion board or telephone, depending on the nature of your research. Those conducting research in partnership with external organisations are likely to have to attend additional meetings (e.g. start up, interim and closure).

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  10,000 words (or equivalent), bound and word processed to specification stated in module handbook

• % Weighting: 100