What will I learn on this module?
The dissertation gives you the opportunity to work on a sustained piece of research of your own (guided) choice and to present that research in an organised and coherent form in a major piece of writing. The module will teach you how to function as an independent researcher, learner and writer. The dissertation represents the culmination of your studies as a Joint Honours student. You will apply the skills developed in your earlier studies to a discrete body of primary sources, working upon a clearly defined topic. In designing and implementing your research project, you will draw on insights and approaches from both of the disciplines that from part of your degree. The dissertation will develop your research skills and allow you to work independently, drawing on the advice and guidance of a designated supervisor.
How will I learn on this module?
Dissertation topics are supervised by an appropriate tutor, who will guide you through the various stages of formulating, researching and writing this substantial piece of work. The dissertation is an individual project and, as such, its substance is negotiated between you and your supervisor. In the meetings with the supervisor, you will be able to discuss your specific research project and to receive feedback on your progress.
In addition, all Joint Honours students will attend regular lecture-workshops, organised by the convenor of the dissertation module. These workshops will provide guidance on the general process, and the advice will be tailored to Joint Honours students undertaking interdisciplinary research. You will also be asked to deliver a formative presentation to the workshop group, outlining your projects and sharing some of your findings with your peers.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your supervisor, the module convenor, your peers and your programme leaders. The dissertation supervisor will provide advice and feedback that is related to the content, topic and substance of the individual dissertation. Furthermore, the module convenor will organise regular lecture-workshop to guide Joint Honours students through the dissertation process. The module will be provided with an e-learning portal where students are provided with links to useful resources, sample dissertations and library skills information. All students will also have access to an online repository of outstanding dissertations submitted by Northumbria History students in previous years. Formative presentations (delivered in workshops) and other activities will nurture a supportive research culture among dissertation students in the Humanities department.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate extensive in-depth knowledge of a particular interdisciplinary topic appropriate to your programme of study.
2. Display an ability to arrive at a grounded and focused research question concerning your topic.
3. Show an awareness and understanding of the range of scholarly literature, interpretations and information concerning your topic.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Demonstrate a capacity to deliver a sustained, structured, analytical and reflective argument in a written form, supported by a high- quality scholarly apparatus of referencing and bibliography.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate an ability to work independently on a major project.
How will I be assessed?
There is one summative piece of assessment:
1. a dissertation of 11,000 words. The dissertation is intended to demonstrate a high-level of independence in research, problem-solving, writing and presentation. It assesses all module learning outcomes.
There is one formative piece of assessment:
1. a reflection piece of 1,000 work, which encourages you to discuss your experiences of project design and implementation and to consider the feedback provided by your supervisor.
Several activities have been designed to support you during the process of writing.
The presentation of a question or topic, and the subsequent production and negotiation of a dissertation plan are central to the first part of this process. The submission of draft chapters are considered important because feedback will be given to improve the work. Furthermore, a presentation to the workshop group will
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code T720
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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