RE3DIS-Dissertation

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer / Autumn / Spring module
Pre-requisites: RE2PREP Projects in Real Estate and Planning (2)
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Street
Email: e.j.street@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of this module is to permit a student to conduct a substantial, and in parts original, research study on a relevant topic selected by the student in consultation with the module convenor and a specific supervisor.

This module is delivered at the University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to permit a student to conduct a substantial, and in parts original, research study on a relevant topic selected by the student in consultation with the module convenor and a specific supervisor. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:

• conduct a literature review;


• select the appropriate research methodology;


• present results so as to be able to formulate defensible conclusions; and


• support an argument with citations.

Additional outcomes:

Study of a relevant subject in greater depth than is normally possible elsewhere in the programme. 

Outline content:

• End of Summer term of Part 2: Module Briefing.


• Summer vacation of Part 2: Begin topic selection process.


• Autumn term: Research methods training; conduct literature review; submit dissertation proposal.


• Spring term: Source and analyse data; write up dissertation.


• Summer term: Final submission.

Global context:

Students have significant choice in terms of their topic and so can orientate their research towards a global context, if they so wish.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Guided independent study is the main teaching and learning method for the dissertation. Students opting for the module will be briefed at the end of the Summer term of Part 2 and asked to begin thinking about topic ideas over the Summer vacation. Topic ideas will be developed with the Module Convenor and potentially also prospective Supervisors during the Autumn term.

Support for topic selection will involve briefing / tutorial sessions and more focussed research methods training delivered in a range of formats, including via online methods, during the Autumn term. Following the production of a research proposal, a more specialist Supervisor will mentor the student to completion of the study. 

 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5
Seminars	11	2	2
Tutorials	1
Project Supervision		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10
Wider reading (directed)	10
Other	24
Preparation for tutorials	2
Preparation for seminars	6
Completion of formative assessment tasks	12
Dissertation writing	119	186
Total hours by term	200	198	2
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	90
Project output other than dissertation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

10,000 (word guide) dissertation submitted in week 1 of Summer term (of Part 3).

Written research proposal (word guide 1,500) submitted in week 15 of Autumn term (of Part 3) providing opportunity for feedback.

Formative assessment methods:

Presentation of dissertation topic ideas in week 12 of Autumn term (of Part 3) with a pass / fail grade awarded.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for the module is 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of Dissertation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 25 August 2021