This module guides students through an intensive and detailed research-based study of their chosen topic, over a period of none months (for a full-time student) resulting in a substantial dissertation of 25,000-30,000 words, under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor. The module includes a content-based series of philosophical methods classes, peer-led reading groups and presentation seminars.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
A full-time student will begin preliminary work on their MPhilStud dissertation in the summer of year 1, and (following completion of taught modules in teaching block 1 of year 2) begin full-time work on the dissertation in January of year 2. They will submit it September of their second year. In addition to the dissertation itself (worth 90% of the final module grade), the dissertation proposal (c.3000 words) is assessed, and is worth 10% of the final module grade.
The module is taught through a combination of research skills and research methods seminars, student-led reading groups, oral presentations, individual supervision and individual library-based study. Students can expect at least 5 seminars, run by different members of the teaching team, in each academic year, where required readings are assigned and discussed. Students will also be expected to organise and attend peer-led reading groups, learning about each other’s research interests and sharing their own (staff will help with timetabling these sessions). As well, students are expected to take full advantage of all of the extra-curricular research events run by the department. The topic of a dissertation is to be determined by the student, in consultation with a supervisor. Preparation of the research proposal for the dissertation and of the dissertation itself is undertaken in consultation with the Supervisor from the beginning of Year 2. Each student meets at least 6 times with the supervisor, supporting the student through the process of planning and writing the dissertation.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Seminars/lectures: 5 taught sessions | 5x2.5=12.5 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Individual and Group tutorials | 6x1=6 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | student led reading groups | 6x3=18 |
| Guided independent study | Directed and independent learning | 1763.5 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 1800 | |
The assessment strategy is designed to test a student's ability to meet the module's learning outcomes. Formative assessment involves oral presentations and submission of written work for supervisory meetings. Summative assessment is based on 1) evaluation of the dissertation proposal, c. 3,000 words (10% of the final module grade); 2) evaluation of a written dissertation of 25,000-30,000 words, including viva voce examination (90% of the final module grade). The skills required to prepare these assessed elements will be developed in formative activities throughout the module, notably in the research methods seminars, through individual tutorials, group discussion, and feedback on presentations. These activities offer opportunities for formative peer and staff assessment. Preparation of the dissertation normally includes at least six tutorials with a supervisor, supplemented by email correspondence.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Undertake intensive and complex independent research at an advanced level, and provide critical treatment of a clearly defined area of academic discussion. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through assessed exercises or essays and the dissertation itself, including viva voce examination. |
| Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the distinctive features, issues and problems of a particular topic within their chosen field. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through assessed exercises or essays and the dissertation itself, including viva voce examination. |
| Situate this topic in relation to current academic discussions and debate. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through assessed exercises or essays and the dissertation itself, including viva voce examination. |
| Comprehend, reconstruct and interpret philosophical arguments and texts, and situate these arguments and texts in the context of the history of philosophy. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through assessed exercises or essays and the dissertation itself, including viva voce examination. |
| Effectively communicate and defend their research in both written and oral forms. | Assessed formatively through group discussion, individual presentations, tutorials and preparation of the dissertation proposal, and summatively through assessed exercises or essays and the dissertation itself, including viva voce examination. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| CWK | Dissertation Proposal | 10 |
| CWK | Dissertation 25,000 Words | 90 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
To be determined by the student in consultation with academic staff.
To be determined by the student in consultation with academic staff.