THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2019/2020

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Moray House School of Education and Sport : Research (EDU)

Postgraduate Course: Dissertation (MSc TESOL) (REDU11084)

Course Outline
SchoolMoray House School of Education and Sport CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeDissertation AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits60 ECTS Credits30
SummaryThe dissertation is a major study demanding of the course member a high level of individual application and commitment to research and enquiry. It provides the course member with the opportunity to identify, reflect on and explore a topic that has implications for individual professional development. It includes a taught component which introduces students to a range of techniques which are frequently used in educational research.
Course description There are a number of possible types of dissertation that may be considered appropriate (e.g. empirical research, desk-based research, research proposal). Students in discussion with their supervisors and with the Dissertation Director should decide the focus and design of the study. Whether empirical or not, the dissertation should demonstrate an understanding of research design, data collection and analysis, presentation and research ethics.

Before writing the dissertation and/or collecting any data, students must submit a detailed dissertation proposal and they must obtain ethical approval for their project. If the proposal is satisfactory, a student may begin work on the dissertation. Students will receive support and guidance from their supervisor while developing their proposals and while carrying out the project.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2019/20, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Full Year
Course Start Date 16/09/2019
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 600 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 12, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 588 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 100% coursework
The Dissertation is a single essay composed of 12,000 words. The dissertation director will provide general direction about the nature of the assessment task. Supervisors will also provide specific guidance to students about the assessment task via a series of group and/or individual supervision meetings.

A written research proposal of 1000-2000 words must be submitted to pass this course.
Feedback Students will receive significant feedforward guidance on various aspects of their dissertation from their supervisor including detailed individualised comments on one draft chapter.

Students will present a poster outlining their proposals for formative feedback at a 'conference' to which all academic staff and doctoral students are invited.

Students will receive feedback/ forward on their written proposals from their dissertation supervisor.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. identify a professionally relevant research question and develop a practicable research plan
  2. use various sources of bibliographic data and to evaluate critically the literature assessed
  3. demonstrate understanding of a range of approaches to social and professional enquiry, the investigation techniques used, the values and assumptions underlying such techniques, the limitations of the evidence produced and the ways of analysing evidence and presenting findings
  4. appreciate the principles of ethics in research and how these principles apply to specified contexts
  5. to propose and report research in clear, analytical writing
Reading List
This includes reading lists from

- the three research methods courses of Moray House
- the relevant compulsory and option courses
- the area being researched
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills 1. Knowledge that covers and integrates the main areas concerned, including their features, boundaries, terminology and conventions.

2. A critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles the areas concerned.

3. Extensive, detailed and critical knowledge of the areas concerned, or informed by, developments at the forefront.

4. A critical awareness of current issues in the areas concerned
Keywordsdissertation,research,TESOL
Contacts
Course organiserDr Joan Cutting
Tel: (0131 6)51 6324
Email:
Course secretaryMrs Moira Ross
Tel: (0131 6)51 6206
Email:
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