Advanced Certificate Dissertation BHT330

Learn to write and present a good dissertation. The purpose of the dissertation is to show that you are able to write (AND PRESENT) in an academic way, carry out research into the relevant academic literature and write about the research in a logical and clear way.

To complete your dissertation, you have to show your marker that you can – Set a relevant title for your research. Decide on aims for your research. Carry out a background research relevant to your dissertation. Summarise and clearly explain the research. Discuss relevant points. Argue relevant points related to your dissertation title. Follow the correct format for the dissertation. Write within the appropriate word limits. Use academic language. Write references. Remember that this is an academic piece of writing. You may choose to study something practical eg. The Development of a Cottage Garden. That is a suitable title, but you must write academically about what is a cottage garden, the plants that are suitable, soil composition, garden designs and so on.

To complete your dissertation, you have to show your marker that you can –

• Set a relevant title for your research.
• Decide on aims for your research.
• Carry out a background research relevant to your dissertation.
• Summarise and clearly explain the research.
• Discuss relevant points.
• Argue relevant points related to your dissertation title.
• Follow the correct format for the dissertation.
• Write within the appropriate word limits.
• Use academic language.
• Write references.
• Remember that this is an academic piece of writing. You may choose to study something practical eg. The Development of a Cottage Garden. That is a suitable title, but you must write academically about what is a cottage garden, the plants that are suitable, soil composition, garden designs and so on.
• Present your Dissertation to an audience

Course Structure There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Developing a Research Proposal
2. Background Research
3. Literature Review
4. Research Methodology
5. Data Analysis
6. Preparation of First Draft
7. Preparation of Second Draft
8. Submission of Final Documentation
9. Presentation

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school\'s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Due to the wide variety of terminology surrounding dissertations and thesis from country to country we will define the term dissertation as not a singular research project that satisfies requirements for a higher degree, but to a very substantial project that is submitted in part to satisfy a coursework higher degree. The aim of a dissertation for a Masters level qualification is to provide evidence of an understanding of the field, and which may also contribute to the knowledge in that field.

As such this module allows the student to engage in research on a topic that is of particular interest to them as well as demonstrating not only their research, analytical and investigative skills, but also their ability to work independently with self determination.

This module will require a substantial commitment from the student. Not only will the student be engaged in independent research and will be required to submit substantial assignments they will also have to verbally defend their research once it is completed.

This module is not a workshop or a research project, it represents a very large commitment of time and effort and will result in a piece of original work by the student.