Dissertation Template

Dissertation Template

 

Title Page*

 

Abstract*

 

Acknowledgements*

 Table of Contents*

 

  1. Introduction (10% of total word count)

The introduction sets the scene for your study and should discuss the following 2 issues:

  • Motivation for your study
  • Research Question and hypotheses, aims and objectives

 

  1. Literature Review (30% of total word count)

In this section, you will present your review of the literature relevant to your research topic. Sub-headings will depend on your research question.

 

  1. Methodology (20% of total word count)

Here you discuss how you implemented your research study. You will need to describe your research design, methods and techniques that you used to collect and analyse the data.

In addition, you should discuss any issues, challenges or problems that you encountered during the research process, and how you resolved these.

 

  1. Results and Analysis (30% of total word count)

This section is used to present your data and discuss what the data means in terms of your research question, hypotheses, aims and objectives. With reference to your Proposal, you should consider addressing issues such as

  • How do these results compare to the results that you were expecting?
  • If there are substantial differences, why do you think this happened and what does it mean?
  • How will the research results benefit the target audience?

 

  1. Conclusion (10% of total word count)

The conclusion section is usually used to summarise your work and should contain the following sub-headings:

  • Contributions to knowledge
  • Limitations and recommendations for further research

Bibliography*

 

DETAILED  MARKING CRITERIA & COMMENT SHEET
Introduction (500 words) Max 5 marks Comments
Is the rationale/justification for the research clearly explained?    
Are the research question(s), hypotheses, aims and objectives clearly stated?    
Literature Review (1500 words) Max 30 marks  
Has appropriate literature been chosen for review?    
Is there sufficient competence displayed in the critical evaluation of the literature?

  • Is the student able to evaluate critically the literature selected to review?
  • Are the points well made? Are they based on the evidence presented?
  • Is evidence used well to support the opinion being expressed?
  • Can the student synthesise an argument?
   
Is the review broad / extensive enough?  
Methods (300 words) Max 5 marks  
Have appropriate methods been used to tackle the research question/problem?
Is there an adequate explanation of how the methods were used?
Is there an adequate explanation of the data collection process and choices made (e.g. sampling, selection of data base, conceptual framework)? (where appropriate)
Is there an awareness of any limitations in the approach taken?
Analysis & Findings (1500 words) Max 45 marks
Has the material been presented effectively through the use of appropriate summaries/tables/diagrams or other appropriate presentation devices?  
Has the material been analysed rather than described?  
Is there evidence of the competent use of specific techniques (at a level appropriate for an UG student)?  
Is the student able to evaluate critically the material they have collected?

  • Is there evidence of the ability to draw effective inferences or conclusions from the analysis?
  • Are the implications of the results/findings discussed adequately?
  • Is there an attempt to relate the results/findings to the literature reviewed?
  • Are the results/findings used explicitly to answer the original question?
 
Conclusion (500 words) Max 5 marks
Has the contribution to knowledge been adequately identified by highlighting the benefits or potential applications of the knowledge derived from the study?  
Are limitations adequately discussed?  
Are areas for possible further study identified?  
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