Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Dissertation Handbook

Welcome to the Postgraduate Taught Dissertation Handbook. This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the requirements, processes, and expectations for your dissertation project. It serves as your primary reference point throughout the research phase of your degree.

1. Introduction and Purpose

The dissertation is the capstone element of your postgraduate degree. It is an independent research project that allows you to demonstrate your ability to identify a research problem, apply appropriate methodologies, analyze complex data, and articulate findings in a scholarly manner. This handbook provides the framework within which you must operate to ensure academic integrity and excellence.

2. The Role of the Supervisor

You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will provide guidance throughout the dissertation process. It is your responsibility to maintain regular contact with your supervisor. Their role includes:

• Providing feedback on research proposals and draft chapters.
• Offering advice on appropriate research methodologies.
• Directing you toward relevant academic literature.
• Advising on the structure and logical flow of the argument.

Please note that supervisors are advisors, not editors. The final quality of the work remains your responsibility.

3. Research Proposal and Ethics

Before beginning your main research, you must submit a formal proposal. This must be approved by your department. Furthermore, if your research involves human participants or sensitive data, you are required to seek ethical approval. Failure to secure ethical clearance before commencing data collection may result in a failing grade or the inability to use the gathered data.

4. Structuring Your Dissertation

While specific requirements may vary by discipline, a standard dissertation generally includes:

• Title Page: Including your name, student ID, and thesis title.
• Abstract: A concise summary of the research question, methods, and key findings.
• Introduction: Establishing the context, research aims, and the significance of the study.
• Literature Review: A critical analysis of existing academic research in the field.
• Methodology: A detailed account of how the research was conducted.
• Findings and Analysis: A systematic presentation of your results.
• Discussion: Interpreting your findings in light of the literature.
• Conclusion: Summarizing the contribution of your work and offering suggestions for future research.
• References: A complete list of all sources cited in the work, adhering to the required citation style.

5. Academic Integrity and Referencing

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. You must ensure that all ideas, theories, and data that are not your own are properly attributed to their original authors. Use the specific referencing style (e.g., Harvard, APA, Chicago) mandated by your course. Use reference management software such as Zotero or Mendeley to maintain accuracy in your citations.

6. Submission Guidelines

Your dissertation must be submitted electronically through the designated online portal by the deadline specified in your course calendar. Extensions are only granted in exceptional, documented circumstances (e.g., illness or significant personal hardship) and must be requested via the formal university petition process well in advance of the deadline.

7. Assessment Criteria

Dissertations are marked based on several key criteria:

• Clarity and focus of the research question.
• Breadth and depth of the literature review.
• Appropriateness and rigour of the research methodology.
• Quality of the analysis and critical evaluation.
• Structure, writing style, and adherence to academic conventions.

We wish you the very best in your research endeavors. Thorough planning and consistent effort are the keys to a successful dissertation.