Archive and Information Studies Dissertation module (RM50023)

Your research dissertation represents the culmination of your Master's postgraduate studies. It is your chance to do research and make a contribution to the recordkeeping profession.

The dissertation is 18,000 words in length and is a challenging but rewarding experience.

You will get the opportunity to use the skills and techniques you have mastered during your degree. You will apply them to a research topic of your choosing and design.

You will work with a supervisor who will discuss your research and who will advise you throughout the process.

What will you learn

In this module you will:

• understand research at the postgraduate level
• undertake a research-based dissertation
• select and use appropriate methodologies and theoretical concepts
• understand the ethical issues involved in research
• display an ability to use a range of resources, including textual, archival and digital
• relate a topic to wider issues

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• understand the issues required to undertake independent research
• display appropriate skills for research. This includes, among others:
  • data collection and analysis
  • time management
  • topic choice and note management
  • dissertation structure
• understand the appropriate methodologies and theoretical concepts in relation to a chosen area of research
• employ the appropriate approach to the ethical issues involved in academic research
• show an ability to identify and use a wide range of resources
• choose, develop and start writing up a topic in relation to wider contexts
• submit an 18,000-word dissertation at the postgraduate level

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)
  • This will consist of one 18,000-word dissertation

Teaching methods / assessment

• independent study (100%)