CULP40140 Dissertation

Academic Year 2023/2024

The dissertation is a major project which enables each student to pursue a special interest through investigation and research on a topic with cultural policy or management application. The research process helps to develop a student's conceptual, planning and analytical skills through the production of a substantial piece of work. The dissertation combines academic theory with issues in professional practice and contributes to the professional development of students.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

(a) plan and organise a research project from inception to delivery;
(b) investigate and develop a deep understanding of an issue of relevance to the cultural sector or to the management of a specialist field in arts or heritage;
(c) understand how to conduct primary and secondary research;
(d) develop appropriate research methodologies;
(e) know how to relate theory to practice;
(f) exercise their analytical skills more effectively.

Indicative Module Content:

The eclectic mix of students undertaking this masters programme is reflected in the very wide diversity of dissertation topics. These can range across the major art forms (visual arts, music, theatre, dance etc.) or can deal with various aspects of heritage management and museums. Topics can also deal with specific aspects of cultural policy (for example, government policies for the arts and/or heritage in a given country, or comparatively across two or more countries), and specialist fields of cultural sector management (for example, arts education, marketing, museum curatorship).

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

100
Autonomous Student Learning

500
Total

600
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The journey towards producing a polished piece of research begins with the Research Methods module, where you will learn the various approaches to and methodologies of academic research practice. While researching and writing your dissertation you will have frequent opportunities to consult with your supervisor, in person and by email. Following submission of a first chapter (usually in June) based on a draft introduction and first chapter, you will be given feedback by your supervisor on your progress in terms of structure, focus and adherence to academic conventions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

An honours university degree at minimum level of 2.2 and work experience in the cultural sector. Selection is by short-listing and interview.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Dissertation (AH40140)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: An initial proposal for the thesis, providing a clearly defined research question, an outline of objectives and proposed methodology and an initial reading list relating directly to the research topic Week 10 n/a Graded No

5
Assignment: Submission of MA thesis Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

95

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Extensive written feedback, and in person if requested, is provided on the dissertation as finally submitted. Earlier in the development stage, students may present a draft introduction and first chapter. They will then receive feedback on their progress in terms of structure, thematic focus and observation of academic conventions.

Name Role
Dr Annette Clancy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Victoria Durrer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Emily Mark-Fitzgerald Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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