8,000 words 

100%

2 weeks marking 

4 weeks feedback

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods, the research process and the ethical issues involved in social sciences research. 
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the selected methodology, the research question and research methods, including ethical considerations 
3. Critically evaluate the scope and application of relevant and contemporary literature in relation to the selected topic area 
4. Devise and sustain argument through the investigative process and in presentation of the research findings 
5. Demonstrate the ability to work independently and systematically on the research project

 Your work will be assessed on the extent to which it demonstrates your achievement of the stated learning outcomes for this assignment (see above) and against other key criteria:

The Dissertation will be assessed based on the achievement of specific learning outcomes set by the module. These outcomes outline the key skills and knowledge students are expected to demonstrate by the end of the research process. Assessment will focus on the ability to conduct independent research, apply appropriate methodologies, critically analyze data, engage with relevant literature, and present coherent, well-structured arguments. The final dissertation will be evaluated against these criteria, ensuring that the work meets the academic standards of the discipline and aligns with the objectives established for the module.

Understanding of topic 

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of chosen topic area through the identification, and appropriate use, of a wide range of literature. 

Sophisticated balance of description and critical analysis offering intellectual insight and synthesis of issues.

Methodology

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the selected methodology and the research question(s) including understanding, and application, of research ethics in empirical dissertations.

Structure and organisation

Coherence in overall structure containing well-structured chapters and appropriate paragraphing that flows smoothly throughout. Abstract and Conclusion are appropriate in length and content.

Referencing

Accurate use of Harvard referencing system for in-text referencing and for reference list/bibliography .

Wide scope of reference materials

• You are reminded of the University’s regulations on academic integrity, which can be viewed on the University website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-07/academic-integrity-policy.pdf. In submitting your assignment, you are acknowledging that you have read and understood these regulations
• Please also note that work that is submitted up to 10 working days beyond the submission date will be considered a late submission. Late submissions will be marked and the actual mark recorded but will be capped at the pass mark (typically 40%), provided that the work is of a passing standard. Work submitted after this period will not be marked and will be treated as a non-submission.

• Please use the provided checklist below to make sure you are ‘fit to submit’ your work
• We recommend you use this checklist as soon as you get this assignment brief to help you plan your work

This brief assignment checklist is designed to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes students make in their coursework.

Have you read the assignment brief? If not, do so now!

In it you will find details of the assessment task, word count, the assessment criteria your work is marked against, and the learning outcomes – the basis for the assessment strategy in each module.

Students often lose marks by forgetting some of the more straightforward elements of their assignments. We recommend that you “tick off” each of the points below as you prepare your work for submission. If you need any help, ask your tutor and/or visit https://bucks.ac.uk/students/academicadvice/assessment-and-examination

• Have you read and understood the assessment criteria?

• Have you met the learning outcomes? You will lose marks and your work may even be failed if you have not.

• Have you demonstrated you can think and write critically in the completed work? This means you have supported your arguments/explanations appropriately e.g. using relevant academic sources and you have offered discussion points which extends your own or others’ viewpoints to make reasoned conclusions/judgements.

• Have you maintained an appropriate tone throughout your work? Is your work formal, focused, developed and clear?

• Have you checked that the referencing in your assignment is in line with your programme requirements? 

• Have you proof-read your work and used spellcheck software to check your spelling and grammar?

• Have you checked the presentation of your work is as specified by your tutor, for example, are font size, colour, style, line spacing and margins as the tutor specified?

• Have you kept to the word count (or equivalent)? If you are not sure, check with your tutor.

   

• Can you confirm that the work submitted is your own and maintains academic integrity?