THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences)

Postgraduate Course: Dissertation - Environment & Development (PGGE11051)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeDissertation AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits60 ECTS Credits30
SummaryThe dissertation should be distinct from earlier assessed work by the greater depth of comprehension and criticism demonstrated. Equally, students are not expected to undertake the exhaustive scale of literature review or empirical work typical of a research degree. Rather, the dissertation is designed to provide an opportunity for students to undertake independent research on a topic of their own choice, employing appropriate research methodologies and involving theoretical and, potentially, empirical work developed through the coursework programme, and directed reading supported by expert supervision. It must have a clear focus with definable objectives and boundaries, achievable in the time and word length available. Its object is to provide the student with an opportunity for demonstrating his or her competence in the chosen area of study.
Course description The exact form of the dissertation will vary from case to case depending on the work done. It may take the form of a desk-based study, fieldwork, a social survey survey, a case study analysis, participant observation research or a similar exercise approved by the Programme Directors.

The student, in accordance with his/her own interests, normally proposes the research topic. Additionally, some staff in the School of Geo-Sciences may have particular research themes and topics that may be suitable for MSc dissertation collaboration - although students should be aware that this is rare. By early semester 2 you will have begun to formulate an idea of your research interests and by mid-Semester 2 to settle on a topic for your MSc dissertation and identify a potential dissertation supervisor. We encourage you to begin explore dissertation ideas in conversation with peers and to use your time in the initial semester to explore ideas and identify possible supervisors.
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 2021/22, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Full Year
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 600 ( Dissertation/Project Supervision Hours 10, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 12, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 578 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Dissertation
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. run critical analysis and synthesis of information to support research themes
  2. plan, conduct and report on investigations
  3. collect, record and analyse data
  4. review existing knowledge based on reports from previous studies
  5. product of scientific reports including appropriate referencing
Reading List
Clifford, N., French, S. and Valentine, G. (eds). 2010. Key Methods in Geography. SAGE: Los Angeles.
Law, J. 2004. After Method: Mess in Social Science Research. Routledge: London and New York.
Laws, S. et al. 2013. Research for Development: A Practical Guide. SAGE: London.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsPGGE11051
Contacts
Course organiserDr Samantha Staddon
Tel:
Email: Sam.Staddon@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Louisa King
Tel: (0131 6)50 2543
Email: Louisa.King@ed.ac.uk
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