MA Dissertation Timetable
MA students undertake an individual research project, based on an identifiable collection of primary sources and present their findings in a dissertation of 15,000 words. The dissertation represents an original piece of independent research and should be based on a substantial primary source base and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the secondary literature. Through the dissertation students demonstrate their practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret historical knowledge.
A note on supervision:
It is the student’sresponsibility to be proactive in accessing supervisors and organizing meetings. This programme suggests a series of ‘triggers’ for meetings. It is also designed to help students plan their projects and be mindful of a workable timetable.
Semester 1
Weeks 1-7: In the first half of the semester, students will visit members of staff to discuss ideas for their dissertations. If they are not sure about who to approach, they can ask the Dissertation Coordinator. Some students may have decided on a clear topic area, while others may want to consider different ideas and consult several members of staff. Once a student had decided to work with a particular supervisor, the student and supervisor should discuss the kind of support needed, and should arrange to meet regularly to discuss progress. They should also agree a proposed title for the dissertation.
Week 6-9: Students will attend a workshop with the MA dissertation coordinator in week 6 (1-2pm Wednesday 6 November), which will discuss the different elements of the MA dissertation, the timetable over the year and the marking criteria. The coordinator will suggest Peer Support Groups for the students. Students will then submit a TITLE FORM in which they identify research area and supervisor.The deadline is 12pm Wednesday20 November 2013. Submitted via MOLE.
Having proposed a title, students will begin the work on their dissertation in earnest. Through independent study, and guidance from supervisors they will continue to develop their ideas for the project and identify secondary works in their chosen area.
Semester 2
During the examining period and beginning of semester 2, students will be engaged in independent reading around their chosen topic, establishing a clearer framework for their dissertation and refining their research questions. Some students may be ready to identify a clear body of primary sources. The purpose of this is to provide direction for the more intensive work that will be undertaken during this semester.
Week 2-4: Students are required to submit a 1000 word SYNOPSIS FORM, following discussions with supervisors. This can serve as the basis for a supervision, and also discussions with peers. Itmight include information on: sources, historiographical context, methodological and/or theoretical approach, outline of dissertation structure and research questions. The deadline for the SYNOPSIS FORM is 12pm Wednesday 26 February 2014. Submitted via MOLE.
Week 5-6: Students are next required to submit a bibliography. The purpose of this is to ensure that students are progressing with their secondary reading during the year and that they have developed a good sense of the secondary scholarship as well as are beginning to develop primary source research. The bibliography is intended to allow students to review their progress so far and will serve as a useful basis for discussion in supervisions. There is no official format, but students may wish to separate it into two sections on reading/research completed and planned reading/research. There is no requirement to annotate the bibliography, but annotations may be included on particular items if appropriate. Although this piece of work is non-assessed, it is a compulsory piece of formative course-work and students should submit it to the post-graduate secretary in the usual fashion.
Week 5-6: The deadline for the Dissertation Bibliography is 12pm Wednesday 19 March 2014.
Week 12: Each year the MA Conference Day takes place in May and students present their research. Students are asked to present for approximately 12 minutes, leaving time for them to respond to questions from the audience. Many students will not yet have finished their primary research by this stage, so the presentations are understood as works-in-progress. Students are encouraged to do the following: introduce their topic; identify their research questions; explain methodology (use and approach to sources); present any preliminary findings and conclusions. In the run-up to the Conference Day, students are taught on the module ‘Research Presentation’. In addition, students may wish to talk through their ideas with their supervisor.
The MA Conference Day will take place on Tuesday 27 May 2014 with a practice session in the afternoon of Friday 23 May 2014.
Summer
By the end of the second semester students will normally have made good progress with the research and will continue writing the dissertation over the summer. Meetings may be less frequent, or virtual, during the summer vacation but Submission is in early September. Students can ask their supervisor to read one full draft (in sections or as a complete draft) of the dissertation and offer comments either via email or in person. If students wish to submit a draft of the dissertationthey should consult with their supervisor over timings. It is possible that some staff may prefer a draft section to be sent before the end of the semester, in weeks 13, 14 or 15. Any drafts must be submitted at a time that allows staff a reasonable time to give feedback and for students to act on this.
The dissertation must be submitted by 12pm Wednesday 3 September 2014.
[…], 2013-14
MA Dissertation Co-ordinator