MSc Student Handbook - UCL - London's Global University



Students’ Handbook

2008-2009

Part 2

A guide for students taking the

MSc

Postgraduate Diploma

Postgraduate Certificate

in

Information Science

COLLEGE TERMS 2008-2009

22 September - 12 December

12 January - 27 March

27 April - 12 June

School of Library, Archive & Information Studies

University College London

September 2008

MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate in

Information Science

The Information Science programme is primarily intended for experienced information professionals who wish to update their knowledge and gain practical experience of computing and information technologies, but also provides strands for those with less experience who want to develop technology management skills in an information environment. The programme is recognized and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

The programme is structured on a modular basis, and students may offer selected modules for the award of UCL Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate; alternatively, individual modules may be studied on a short-course basis.

Handbook

This Handbook is also available via the School’s website, and the web version will be constantly updated and provide links to other sources of information. This hardcopy version is provided for convenience based on data current at time of publication and you will have to employ more traditional means to consult some of the documents cited. For the latest information please always check the SLAIS website (for the MSc, ucl.ac.uk/slais/ucl-only/teaching/programmes/is/).

Contents

1. Purpose of programme

2. Duration and structure

3. Curriculum

4. Assessment

5. Administrative and timetable information

6. Course module synopsis

Disclaimer

The information contained in this Handbook may be subject to change at any time during the year. This is particularly true of timetables and options on offer. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information, the School can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions.

School of Library, Archive & Information Studies

University College London

Gower Street

London WC1E 6BT

Tel. 020-7679 7204 Fax 020-7383 0557 E-mail slais-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk

Websites





1 Purpose of programme

The MSc in Information Science prepares students for management roles in the information industries with an emphasis on technology: for example information systems manager, systems librarian, web manager, information architect, knowledge manager, data manager, or indeed any information management role. Our graduates find work all over the world with electronic systems for managing, retrieving, distributing and archiving vast quantities of information.

The programme is intended for:

• UK and international students interested in applying and managing technology effectively within information environments

• Those who wish to develop their computer-related skills with a view to improving their skills and employment opportunities in the library, archives, records and information management areas

• Those with more technical backgrounds wishing to move into those areas.

The programme includes both practical and theoretical work in which students develop a deeper understanding of not just the technologies themselves but also the implications of applying and managing these technologies in varied information environments. Its high levels of optionality allow students to tailor the programme to fit their individual needs, both in terms of content and study time.

Our students come from a very wide range of backgrounds, and a typical student is very hard to define. Many are already working in libraries, records centres, archives or other information units, and wish to deepen their knowledge of technical issues, undertake professional development, or gain a formal qualification to enhance their career prospects. Others increasingly come from a more computing-oriented background and want to specialise in the information fields and develop their information and management skills. Others may already be experts in niche areas but are looking to gain a broader range of expertise.

As a result we have a very diverse student body, with ages ranging from the early 20s to mid 50s and a good mixture of UK, EU and overseas students. One of the tenets of the programme is that students should learn from each other as well as from the faculty, and benefit greatly from sharing their ideas and experience with each other.

The programme requires only a minimal level of pre-existing IT knowledge and aims to build a solid foundation of understanding and up-to-date techniques on which new and future skills can easily be developed.

The programme is primarily intended as a career and/or professional development programme for practising librarians, archivists and other information professionals who wish to acquire and develop skills in the use of computers and automated techniques in their areas of interest. It is not primarily a first professional qualification programme, although the MSc is an accredited qualification for chartered membership of CILIP.

2 Duration and Structure

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/ Postgraduate Certificate is a modular programme, offering considerable flexibility in the manner in which the modules can be undertaken to support part-time study. The basic requirements and alternatives are shown below, but other formulations are also available: please do not hesitate to discuss with us other variations which might better suit your individual needs. Module timetables are generally structured in half-day blocks to facilitate the possibility of two-year part-time study, but attendance at classes on a single day per week is not always achievable and it may be necessary for students to attend on two separate half-days for part of the programme for some part-time combinations. All modules have standard credit values which accrue towards the various possible awards.

MSc (180 credits)

Components: 5 compulsory modules, 3 optional modules, plus a dissertation.

Full-time: 1 calendar year (12 months)

Modular: students may collect credits over a maximum of five academic years.

Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)

Components: 5 compulsory modules plus 3 optional modules.

Full-time: 1 academic year (9 months)

Modular: students may collect credits over a maximum of five academic years.

Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)

Components: any 4 modules (subject to agreement and module preconditions)

Full-time: normally one term

Modular: students may collect credits over a maximum of two academic years.

Individual modules may also be taken as short courses not leading to any specific award.

3 Curriculum

The programme, which assumes a minimal previous knowledge of computers, introduces new concepts through lectures, seminars and case studies, and there is opportunity for extensive practical work and hands-on experience. Individual interests may be explored in depth through options, coursework and the dissertation, which forms a major part of the Information Science programme.

As noted above, candidates for the MSc take modules worth 180 credits: 5 compulsory modules, any 3 optional modules, and a dissertation. Candidates for the Postgraduate Diploma take modules worth 120 credits: 5 compulsory modules and any 3 optional modules. Diploma candidates do not undertake a dissertation. Candidates for the Postgraduate Certificate take an agreed combination of modules worth 60 credits.

Each student's optional modules (and foundation choice in year 1) should be agreed with the programme director at the start of each year during induction week. Students registered for part-time or modular study should similarly agree with the Programme Director the order and timescale in which the proposed modules will be undertaken at this time.

Compulsory Foundation module (15 credits)

Students must undertake one of these two foundation modules, depending on their background, and may also take the other as one of their optional choices, under a different module code (as G053 or G027, see below)

• Fundamentals of Information Science B1 (G054 – 7.5 credits)

An introduction to the principles of information theory, organisation, management and science, intended for students without substantial experience or prior qualifications in information work

• Principles of computing and information technology B1 (G028 – 7.5 credits)

An introduction to basic concepts in computing and IT both generally and in the context of information work, intended for those without substantial experience in the use of computers.

Whichever module is selected, it is taken in conjunction with the G029 Principles of computing and information technology B2 integrative examination (7.5 credits) to complete its credit value.

Compulsory modules (each of 15 credits):

• Database systems analysis and design (G007)

• Internet technologies (G017)

• Introduction to programming and scripting (G018)

• Systems management (G035)

3 Optional modules (each of 15 credits), e.g.:

• Digital resources in the humanities (G008)

• Legal and social aspects (G019)

• Management (G020)

• Principles of computing and information technology A (G027)

• Records management (G032)

• Server technologies and programming (G033)

• XML (G037)

• Electronic publishing (G038)

• Encoded Archival Description and digitisation of archives (G041)

• Individual approved studies (G042/G043/G044)

• Fundamentals of Information Science A (G054)

Dissertation (60 credits) (G099)

Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the availability of all optional modules listed above, in some circumstances this may not be possible. Other modules may also be offered or considered as options with the Programme Director's approval: this list is illustrative, not exhaustive, and simply indicates some common options selected.

4 Assessment

Assessment for almost all modules is by coursework, with the exception of the compulsory foundation module (G028 or G054) which is assessed 50% by coursework and 50% by unseen examination. This examination is identified separately as G029 in all documentation and is undertaken in the final year of study on part-time/modular programmes as it is an overarching paper. The INSTG019 optional module is also assessed by written examination.

Modules are typically assessed by one or two pieces of coursework, but can differ greatly in the nature and balance of work required. For full details of any specific module's assessment please refer to the appropriate module-specific documentation.

The pass mark for all modules on the programme is 50%, which must be attained in all compulsory modules and the dissertation. A “condoned failure” at 40%-49% in up to two optional modules may be permitted, so long as an overall aggregate mark of 50% is obtained on the programme.

5 Administrative and timetable information

Information contained in this handbook may be subject to change at any time during the year. This is particularly true of timetables and options on offer. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information, the department cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

Programme Director

Andy Dawson

andrew.dawson@ucl.ac.uk

020 7679 2396

Room HM7a, Henry Morley Building

College Dates 2008-2009

Term 1 Monday 22 September - Friday 12 December

Induction week: Mon. 22 September – Fri. 26 September. See separate timetable

Base timetable: from Monday 29 September

Term 2 Monday 12 January - Friday 27 March

Term 3 Monday 27 April - Friday 12 June

Christmas:

CLOSE - Tuesday 23 December 2008 at 17.30

RE-OPEN - Monday 5 January 2009

Easter:

CLOSE - Wednesday 8 April 2009 at 17.30

RE-OPEN - Wednesday 15 April 2009

Bank Holidays:

Monday 4 May 2009

Monday 25 May 2009

Monday 31 August 2009

Reading Weeks (no lectures):

Monday 3 November - Friday 7 November

Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February

Programme timetable

A separate timetable for induction week should have been provided to you on arrival. If you have not received one, please obtain one from the departmental office

Detailed timetable information for each module’s contents will be provided separately by module tutors in due course.

Base timetable pattern 2008-9

Mandatory modules are highlighted in bold, options are in normal type. Not all available optional modules are listed, others may also be taken, in particular G042/43/44 (Individual study) which can be timetabled flexibly. Timetabling is subject to alteration and should be confirmed with the relevant module tutors, particularly location information which may sometimes be changed at short notice. Attendance patterns for part-time and modular students should be reviewed and agreed with your programme tutor at the beginning of the year.

|Term 1 |10.00 - 13.00 |14.00 - 17.00 |

|Mon |G038 Electronic publishing (Claire Warwick) |G017 Internet technologies |

| |Tottenham (188) SB5 & Cruciform B12 & Annex |(Claire Warwick) |

| | |14.00 - 15.30: Anatomy B15 |

| | |15.30 - 17.00: HM1 |

|Tue |G028 Principles of computing and information | |

|9.00 - 11.00 |technology (Andy Dawson) | |

| |Malet Place Engineering 1.03 | |

| |G028 p/t student practicals | |

|11.30 - 13.00 |HM1 | |

|Wed |G028 f/t student practicals |Meetings/sports |

| |HM1 | |

|Thu |G035 Systems management (Andy Dawson) |G018 Introduction to programming and scripting (Rob |

| |Taviton 431 |Miller) |

| | |HM1 & HM4 |

|Fri |G008 Digital resources in the humanities |G054 Fundamentals of Information Science |

| |(Isabel Galina) |(Andy Dawson) |

| |HM4 & HM1 |HM4 |

| |G032 Records management (Geoffrey Yeo) |G032 Records management visits on some afternoons |

| |Foster Court 101 | |

|Term 2 |10.00 - 13.00 |14.00 - 17.00 |

|Mon | | |

|Tue |G020 Management |From 27 January: |

| |(Maggie Fieldhouse & Lucy Gildersleeves) |G007 Database Systems Analysis and Design |

| | |(Andy Dawson) |

| |13 & 20 January: |HM4 |

| |10.00-13.00 |G041 EAD and digitisation of archives [day tbc] |

| |Windeyer LT4 |HM1 |

| | | |

| |From 27 January: | |

| |10.00-11.00: | |

| |Archaeology Lecture Theatre | |

| | | |

| |11.00-13.00: | |

| |Chadwick 218 | |

|Wed | | |

|Thu |G037 XML |G019 Legal & Social aspects |

| |(Claire Warwick) |(Isabel Galina) |

| |HM4 & HM1 |HM4 |

|Fri |From 30 January: |G033 Server Technologies |

| |G041 EAD and digitisation of archives [day tbc] |(Rob Miller) |

| |DMS Watson Teaching - Public Cluster |HM4 & DMS Watson Teaching - Public Cluster |

Coursework Deadlines 2008-2009

A full list of coursework deadlines for all modules is provided separately, and is detailed online in all specific modules' pages on the SLAIS website

6 Course module synopsis

A brief outline of the main Information Science modules follows below. Detailed information and timetables about individual modules are distributed separately.

Please note in particular that timetabling and location information is provisional only and subject to change.

Compulsory modules:

G007 Database systems analysis and design

Time: Term 2, Tuesdays 14.00-17.00

Module tutor: Andy Dawson

Please note this module starts in Week 3 of Term 2

To provide: a sound understanding, both theoretical and practical, of basic systems theory, approaches to analysis, common methodologies, and the tasks of analysis and design in the context of developing computer-based information systems; the skills to apply such theory and methodologies, and to undertake such tasks; a clear knowledge of the various requirements for a successful methodology in the field; confidence and skills to complete extended tasks using them.

By the end of the module students will have an understanding of: basic systems theory; common SAD methodologies; feasibility studies; collecting data; recording and modelling processes; recording and modelling data; interpretation of data; requirements specifications; system implementation; system maintenance. They will be able to analyse information systems in accordance with classic systems analysis techniques and to design, implement and maintain information systems/databases.

G017 Internet technologies

Time: Term 1, Mondays 14.00-17.00

Module tutor: Claire Warwick

The delivery of content and information via electronic communication is becoming increasingly dynamic and device-driven. This course introduces students to the basic concepts of markup (including the Extensible Hypertext Markup Language XHTML), website structuring and design, and the issues involved in generating and delivering content dynamically. Topics include the syntax of hypertext markup, cascading stylesheets, SQL, database design and integration, manipulation of images, site structuring, visual design and user interaction.

By the end of the module students will have an understanding of how content can be ported across different environments. They will be able to create valid hypertext documents and apply appropriate styling, write SQL statements to interrogate databases via a Web front-end and deliver documents over the Web to different devices. They will also be able to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of website design and implementation, especially as regards usability and accessibility for different audiences.

G018 Introduction to programming and scripting

Time: Term 1, Thursdays 14.00-17.00

Module tutor: Rob Miller

This module uses ECMAscript and its commercial variants to introduce the fundamental principles of procedural computer programming and scripting languages. It reinforces these concepts by practical application in the context of automated Web browser and document manipulation. Fundamental programming topics include data types, operators, variables, flow control via selection and iteration, arrays and objects, functional abstraction, methods and constructors, abstract data types and pattern matching. Applications include manipulation of Web document frames, browser windows and images, dynamic generation of Web documents, saving state using cookies, and form verification via regular expressions.

By the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the basic principles of procedural computer programming. They will be able to apply this knowledge in order to embed scripts within HTML documents to manipulate frames, browser windows and images, and to generate pages of HTML code dynamically. They will be able to write scripts to generate and retrieve browser cookies, and perform simple form verification using pattern matching and regular expressions.

G028 Principles of computing and information technology

Time: Term 1, Tuesdays 9.00 - 11.00 (group practicals 11.30-1.00 Tuesdays for p/t students, 10.00 – 11.30 or 11.30 - 13.00 Wednesdays for f/t students)

Module tutor: Andy Dawson

Introduces students to basic concepts in computing and IT, generally and in the context of information work; develops a thorough understanding of how computer systems work, and the advantages and limitations of computer systems; to recognize the implications of using such systems, and to emphasize that while computers can be useful tools, they are not a solution to information problems in themselves; to give students sufficient confidence to talk to computer specialists and recognize the difference between hype and well-founded knowledge; to emphasize that every automated system must be designed with the needs of its users always in mind; to establish a basic understanding of and competency with the use of mainstream internet-related technologies (including the design of web pages), spreadsheets and database tools.

By the end of the module students will have an understanding of: basic principles of computing and how computer systems work; basic concepts of data representation and structure; database types and basic mechanisms for information retrieval from databases; data capture and digitisation techniques; fundamental considerations of HCI and system design; basic concepts relating to the assessment and evaluation of systems for information creation, storage, management and use; basic network technologies and markup languages; spreadsheet and database usage.

G035 Systems management

Time: Term 1, Thursdays 10.00 - 13.00

Module tutor: Andy Dawson

This module provides a sound understanding of a range of issues relating to computer systems management and operation, including: day-to-day systems management, maintenance, user support, project management, system selection and evaluation, types of network, network management; website management, systems access and security, privacy, encryption, virus control, disaster planning, system migration.

By the end of the module students will have an awareness and understanding of: day-to-day systems, database, network and website management tasks; how to implement and manage measures to support systems access and security, including virus control; project management techniques, including how to plan for systems purchase, replacement and migration; the importance of forward, maintenance and disaster planning; risk assessment; options for systems and user support.

G054 Fundamentals of Information Science

Time: Term 1, Fridays 14.00-17.00

Module tutor: Andy Dawson

This module is intended to act as a foundation in information science for those without a formal information background , covering theories and models of information science, the nature and value of information, information history, human information behaviour,knowledge organisation, information architecture and , communication of information, domain analysis, metrics, metadata, information seeking and retrieval, information and society, legal and political frameworks, information economics

By the end of the module students should be able to understand the key concepts and issues of the academic discipline of information science, and to appreciate the relevance and practical application of these concepts and issues to professional practice.

Optional modules:

Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the availability of all optional modules listed below, in some circumstances this may not be possible. NB that the list of modules below is not exhaustive but simply represents the most common choices undertaken by Information Science students which are expected to be available in the current academic year. For more information and a complete list of options with up-to-date time and location information please visit the options fair in induction week and see the SLAIS website.

G008 Digital resources in the humanities

Time: Term 1, Friday 10.00 – 13.00

Module tutor: Isabel Galina

This module introduces students to a range of issues involved in the design, creation, management and use of electronic resources in the humanities. Topics include humanities resources on the Web, creating electronic resources, digital imaging, metadata systems, encoding and markup systems, electronic dictionaries, text analysis, user needs, scholarly electronic publishing in the humanities. The overall aims are (1) to familiarize students with the computing technologies and applications that are used in humanities research and teaching; (2) to provide a basis for making informed choices in the design, management and use of digital resources in the humanities; (3) to promote understanding of the areas where access, manipulation and analysis of digital resources can benefit research and teaching in the humanities.

By the end of the module students will be able to (1) identify and evaluate Web-based and other sources in electronic form for humanities research and teaching; (2) create electronic resources as transcriptions and digital images, and understand the benefits and implications of these methodologies; (3) assess the advantages and disadvantages of different delivery and publishing methods for electronic resources; (4) understand how computers can be used for a range of research and teaching applications in the humanities; (5) understand the principles and uses of text manipulation programs; (6) evaluate electronic scholarly publications in hypertextual form.

G019 Legal and social aspects

Time: Term 2, Thursday 14.00-17.00

Module tutor: Isabel Galina

The module aims to develop students' understanding of the impact of information on society and of the relationship between information and the law. Key issues include: technological trends and social change; virtual communities; globalization; ethics, morality and information; copyright, intellectual property and freedom of information, the free software and hacktivism movements; data protection; defamation; policies developed by governments for the information society. Students will develop their critical and analytical skills through debate. There will be input from external speakers to present a variety of perspectives.

By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of information on technological change; society; government and international relations, the place of the individual in virtual or actual communities; discuss how legislation and information affect each other; identify key issues involved in the development of the 'Information Society', articulate personal perspectives, and show a critical awareness of the positive and negative issues of the information society. They will also have an understanding of copyright legislation in a national and international context. They will be able to assess the requirements for data protection and defamation in relation to internet publishing.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MODULE IS ASSESSED BY WRITTEN EXAMINATION.

G020 Management

Time: term 2, Tuesday 10.00 - 13.00

Module tutors: Maggie Fieldhouse

Please note this module starts in Week One of Term 2

This module aims to ensure appreciation of the importance of general management principles and their relevance to all aspects of library, archive and information sector practice. It seeks to develop the students' analytical, personal and transferable management skills and competencies to meet the demands of a changing professional environment. Teaching and learning is delivered via a mixture of lectures, practical exercises, group projects and presentations.

Principal aspects covered include professional ethics and responsibilities; change management and strategic planning; quality, performance and best value; recruitment, training and development, appraisal and behavioural management; finance and budgeting; marketing and promotion of services. In addition, key self-management skills, including time management, team working, operation of meetings, presentation and project management, are developed. Topics such as equal opportunities, sector image, data protection and copyright, outsourcing, income generation, sponsorship, partnerships and use of volunteers are explored through student presentations.

By the end of the module students will be able to identify a range of management skills relevant to the development and delivery of services in a library and information service context. They will be aware of the main areas of human resource management and of the management implications of a number of current issues affecting library and information service provision. Students will be able to apply a range of key self-management skills both within their studies and in the professional context.

G032 Records management

Time: term 1, Friday 10.00 - 13.00 (+ visits 14.00-17.00)

Module tutor: Geoff Yeo

This module provides students with a foundation in records management approaches and skills. Records management is a management skill which seeks to control records throughout their life, from creation to destruction or transfer to archives. Topics include introduction to records management practice, organizational and functional analysis, creation and capture of records, the management of electronic records, appraisal and retention scheduling, storage issues including registries and records centres, implementation, policy and resources. Field visits enable students to see examples of records management in practice.

By the end of the module, students will be able to understand the role of a records management programme within an organization, manage current and non-current records systems using professional techniques, understand the challenges of electronic records, and develop strategies for their management and design systems for the retention and disposition of records.

G033 Server technologies and programming

Time: Term 2, Friday 14.00-17.00

Module tutor: Rob Miller

Please note this module starts in Week One of Term 2

NB Pre-requisite or co-requisite: G018 Introduction to programming and scripting

This module provides an introduction to the issues, techniques, technologies and underlying principles associated with creating and maintaining Web servers. Topics include: (1) servers and clients; protocols, network topology; (2) server configuration; access files, security, redirection, caching, proxies; (3) server-side programming; recap of programming fundamentals, files and file handling, data files, saving state and session handling, connecting databases and SQL; (4) alternative technology choices; a brief survey of current alternative languages and frameworks for server-side programming. Server-side programming will be taught using a current, mainstream, cross-platform server-side language.

By the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the basic principles of server maintenance, and typical server-side programming techniques. They will be able to apply this knowledge to establish and manage the server side of a website. They will have an understanding of server-based tasks such as maintaining security and correct Web access to different user groups, and the use of a commonly available server side programming language and SQL database engine to generate Web pages.

G037 XML

Time: Term 2, Thursday 10.00 – 13.00

Module tutor: Claire Warwick

Please note this module starts in Week One of Term 2

This module introduces students to the basic concepts of the Extensible Markup Language (XML). Unlike HTML, XML is a markup system which makes it possible to define encoding tags that describe components of a document. Topics include overview and history of generic markup systems, document analysis, syntax of XML markup, well-formed documents, valid documents, writing document type definitions (DTDs), XML schemas, cascading stylesheets and XML, document transformations with XSLT and XML processing environments. Students will also gain an understanding of how XML is used in real world application environments. They will be able to consider what applications are appropriate for XML and assess the implications of the introduction of an XML-based system.

By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the principles and role of structured generic markup. They will be able to create well-formed and valid XML documents, write DTDs and deliver XML documents over the Web using different stylesheets. They will also be able to assess and evaluate the role of XML for the management and delivery of electronic information.

G038 Electronic publishing

Time: Term 1, Monday 10.00 – 13.00

Module tutor: Claire Warwick

This course introduces students to the concepts of electronic publishing and communication in the electronic environment. Topics include electronic journals; fulltext and reference publishing; e-books and on-demand delivery of information; metadata; digitisation and preservation, content management systems; human computer interaction; and the development of new digital products.

By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the development of the electronic publishing industry and its current state, an awareness of the opportunities of the information revolution for traditional publishing practices. They will demonstrate ability to work in groups and to present their ideas both verbally and in writing.

G041 Encoded Archival Description and Digitisation of Archives

Time: term 2, Tuesdays 14.00 - 17.00 OR Fridays 10.00 - 13.00

Module tutor: tbc

NB pre-requisite or co-requisite: G003 Archival description; or previous experience of descriptive work using ISAD(G) International standard for archival description.

This module provides students with knowledge and understanding of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and explores the encoding of digital finding aids. It introduces students to Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) and to the nature and use of document type definitions (DTDs) and schemas. It examines the background and development of EAD, its relationship to the principles of archival arrangement and to other methods of archival description, and its practical application to the descriptive work of archivists. It also considers other approaches to digitisation including the imaging of archival materials and the use of digitised transcripts. Students critically assess a range of current projects in the archive domain and gain practical experience of creating archival finding aids using EAD.

G042/G043/G044 Individual approved studies

Time: By arrangement

Module tutor: By arrangement

This module type allows students (especially part-time students who wish to relate their work to practical external projects) to undertake individual study and/or research in specific areas not otherwise covered by standard components, and/or to explore in greater detail some of the topics which are introduced in more general terms in other preceding courses; and to encourage methods of research, investigation and presentation which will be developed in the final dissertation.

Since each student undertaking this course is undertaking unique work, the specific educational aims and objectives of each implementation of this course (and all other parameters required) must be agreed, documented and approved by the programme director and relevant tutor before any student's registration for the module may be accepted.

Individual Approved Studies (with different agreed content) may be offered multiply, as up to three separate option choices, subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

G099 – Dissertation

Time: Normally undertaken in final year, primarily in summer: tutorials by arrangement

Module tutor: by arrangement

A written dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words. The final dissertation should contain a clear statement of the purpose and scope of the study, a detailed methodology, and a bibliography. The purpose of the dissertation is: to develop the ability to work at an advanced intellectual level; to encourage sustained effort; to foster critical and analytical thinking; to provide experience in independent investigation and research; to allow the student to pursue in depth a topic of personal professional interest; to develop knowledge and skills relevant to that area of practice; to promote the idea of personal professional development and contribution to the corpus of professional and scholarly literature. A complete or partial electronic alternative to a printed textual dissertation may be permitted where deemed appropriate.

The dissertation must be submitted by 1 September in the final year of study.

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