Dissertation

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
• Convenor: Laura Jacobus
• Assessment: 10,000-word dissertation (100%)
  

In the final year of your degree, you will complete a dissertation on an art-historical topic of your own choice and devising.

Preparation for the dissertation begins with the Level 5 Research Skills for Dissertations module. This requires you to produce a portfolio of work on a topic which will then normally become the subject of your dissertation. The Research Skills for Dissertations module is supported by a supervisor, personal tutor, and a series of seminars. However, even if you choose to change topic for your dissertation, the Research Skills module serves to enhance relevant research and writing skills, in preparation for this independent piece of work.

You will work on your dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor, who will guide you in formulating your topic, researching the subject and shaping your argument.

In addition, you will attend a series of work-in-progress seminars, at which you and your fellow students will make short, informal presentations on your dissertations, and share ideas and experiences.

The final, submitted piece of work is a maximum of 10,000 words in length: a substantial, in-depth study of a topic in which you are particularly interested.

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:

• undertake sustained art-historical research at an intellectual level appropriate to Level 6 of the degree
• produce a substantial piece of written work at an intellectual level appropriate to Level 6 of the degree
• present that work in an appropriate form.