MODULE TITLE: MSc Thesis	ENVSGW01	
MODULE TUTOR: Susan Batty	
YEAR: 1/2	TERM: 2	
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS: BSP Staff

TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS
Hours of student’s time (Total = 200)	
Lectures		Seminars/workshops		Tutorials	10	
Private reading		Essays/projects	390	Site visits/field trips		

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

To complete the MSc students are required to prepare and submit a dissertation of 10,000 words maximum (excluding the abstract, illustrations, tables and appendices), on a subject approved by the Programme Director.  This typically builds on their Individual Professional Project and therefore relates to their chosen specialism.  However, in its content and objectives it is academically distinct (see full outline).  Students will be allocated a personal supervisor with whom they should regularly meet to guide them in this work.  

The dissertation develops student’s research skills and abilities and allows students to explore - in depth - a particular and usually complex area of the planning remit.  The dissertation represents a study of a specified topic based on primary data and on a review of the literature.  The student therefore demonstrates abilities in research topic design, execution and presentation and for in-depth critical thinking in their chosen area of study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

For the student to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from study in Town & Country Planning to a detailed investigation of a relevant topic, thereby demonstrating an ability to apply theory to analysis of a topic and command of appropriate methodology. The Dissertation should demonstrate the ability:
•	to identify a topic for original research
•	to establish and address clear focused and fundamental research questions
•	in this pursuit to critically analyse relevant theory and literature
•	to supplement the review by gathering and analysing relevant primary and secondary research data and information
•	to write clearly and concisely in a manner that logically presents evidence and draws clear and insightful research conclusions.

OUTLINE

It is the student’s responsibility in consultation with their tutor to establish a detailed timetable for their 
work.
Top-up MSc
Introduction                                                                                Week 1 Term 1
Submission of project title to Year Tutor                                    Week 2 Term 1
Final Submission (full-time non-continuous)                              Week 1 Term 2
Final Submission (part-time non-continuous)                             Term 3 (date to be announced)
12 month MSc
Introduction                                                                                Week 1 Term 3
Submission of project title to Year Tutor                                    Week 2 Term 3
Final Submission (full time continuous)                                     October (date to be announced)

	

KEY SKILLS	
Conceptual/intellectual &
problem definition		Problem solving		Synthesis & application of 
knowledge to practice		
Written communication		Interpersonal communication		Oral presentation		
Quantitative & 
Qualitative analysis		Research & data
Collection		IT competence		
Design/spatial awareness		Management skills		Creativity		

ASSESSMENT

Coursework:  100%                    Written examination:  0%

Description of assessment(s):

A dissertation of 10,000 words maximum (excluding the abstract, illustrations, tables and appendices).

There will be an interview in October/November (full time continuous) or in June (full time and part time non-continuous) and it is the student's responsibility to present him or herself at the scheduled time.  Attendance is compulsory.

Criteria for Assessment(s):

The Dissertation (Report) will be assessed on the degree to which it meets the module aims and the research objectives established by the student.

ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE
	
Assessment Title	Week given out/topic to be approved	Week of deadline	Week of return/
Feedback 	
Dissertation	As above	As above	Interview Oct/Nov or June	

INDICATIVE READING 

Reading will focus on the chosen research topic, but should also draw from across the programme of study and particularly from the related specialism modules and from Research Methods.

For detailed advice on the execution of the dissertation, the following will be found useful, as it covers preparation of a research task, data gathering and analysis, and report and presentation of results :
Howard K. & Sharp, J. A. (1983) Management of a Student Research Project, London, Gower

Students may also wish to consult the British Standards document for the production and presentation of theses and dissertations.  Copies are in the Llewlyn-Davies Library on the 5th Floor.
British Standards Institution (1990) British Standard Recommendations for the Presentation of Theses and Dissertations (BS4821), London, BSI