Final Master Project

The project forms an important element of the MSc course, and must be passed to obtain the degree.

• An MSc with distinction award can be obtained only if the final project meets the distinction level;
• An MSc with merit award can be obtained only if the final project meets the merit level.

The aim of the project is to provide the student with the opportunity to carry out an in-depth study involving critical analysis, and to demonstrate the application of skills acquired from the taught component of the course, to the solution of a particular problem. The project should be a self-contained piece of work of considerably greater depth than can be accommodated within a taught module. It should include a substantial element of scholarly research and fact-finding so that

(a) it demonstrates research and analysis skills appropriate to a masters degree;

(b) the creative work of the project is based on a solid foundation of knowledge and conceptual understanding of the problem.

The postgraduate nature of the project should be evident from the higher overall standard compared to an undergraduate project, in the depth of critical analysis, the insight required and the complexity of the task undertaken. Students will be expected to demonstrate project management and presentation skills throughout the period of the project when liaising with their Supervisors and Project Management Panels (PMPs).

The viva voce examination is a mandatory component of the module – not having a viva counts as a non-submission of the project. The Student arranges a time for it that suits Supervisor and Second Marker. This is normally after the submission deadline and in time for marking to be completed and marks to be processed and the degree awarded at the next Postgraduate Assessment Board.

Students are responsible for investigating possible projects and discussing these with the Supervisor, and where possible the proposer and other stakeholders, and getting a clear agreement on the project with the Supervisor. Full time students are strongly advised to do this before starting full-time work on their projects after their second semester exams.

Full-time students are expected to devote all their time (notionally 40 hours per week) to the project on completion of the Semester 2 examinations