Module manager: Alan Duboisee De Ricquebourg
Email: a.j.duboiseedericquebourg@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The dissertation is an extended piece of research work during which you apply some of the skills and techniques gained on your programme. It provides the opportunity to explore an area of interest relevant to your degree programme in greater detail and to produce a final written report. You are allocated a supervisor who will work with you on a one-to-one basis and may also facilitate some small group meetings in addition to one-to-one supervision.
The aim of the module is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate the independent research skills necessary to develop a substantial piece of empirical research in accounting and finance. While the dissertation is prepared under the close guidance of a supervisor, a key aim is to gain a high level of competence in undertaking independent research through 60 credits of self-directed study. This module will provide students with the opportunity to develop a deep knowledge of their chosen area of study and demonstrate self-motivation and effective time management skills which will be necessary to successfully complete a work of this magnitude over a sustained period.
Upon completion of the module, students will be able to:
- critically assess some key contemporary theories and relevant empirical research evidence in the field of accounting, corporate finance, risk and the operation of capital markets
- critically assess the implications and relevance of the current knowledge boundaries in accounting and finance
- demonstrate a critical awareness of alternative research methods
- analyse how research projects are designed, managed and delivered
- demonstrate a critical awareness of the different approaches to writing research papers
- design a research project
- write a research proposal
- conduct a literature search for relevant literature
- write a comprehensive, relevant and critical literature review
- analysis of the various potential methods of data collection
- analysis of data analysis methods
- conduct a critical evaluation of research strategies, methods of data collection, and analysis.
Upon completion of the module, students will be able to:
Transferable
- Identify research questions, extract relevant information and define justifiable conclusions from complex data
- Identify, collate and structure an appropriate statistical methodology for the analysis of a research question
- Apply numerical and statistical skills to analyse financial and other numerical data using current communication and information technology
- Think critically in independently locating, extracting and analysing data and information from academic literature
- Communicate in writing, complex quantitative and qualitative information, ideas, analysis, argument and commentary
- Demonstrate effective time management skills over a sustained period
Subject Specific
- identify key contemporary theories and relevant empirical research evidence in their chosen research field from the discipline of accounting and finance
- Define, abstract and simplify a research question in accounting and finance to identify and model the core of a research topic
The syllabus for this module reflects the stages of a research project and will vary according to the research project selected. The syllabus will typically include: defining the research project, literature review, project planning, identifying a conceptual framework, developing a hypothesis/research question, data collection/review, data analysis, research conclusions, recommendations for future research, and writing up the research project.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Workshop | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Workshop | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Supervision Meetings | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 564 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
This could include a variety of activities, such as reading, watching videos, question practice and exam preparation.
Your teaching methods could include a variety of delivery models, such as face-to-face teaching, live webinars, discussion boards and other interactive activities. There will be opportunities for formative feedback throughout the module.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or Dissertation | 11,000 words | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit for this module will be 100% by 11,000 word dissertation.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 14/08/2025
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