Module manager: Dr Peter Rhodes
Email: p.a.rhodes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
DESN2287
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The role of the dissertation is to produce a written research investigation on a topic of relevance to a specific programme. The dissertation is concerned with finding, organising and interpreting research information into a coherent and cogent argument.
The module provides students with the opportunity to investigate a subject area of relevance to their programme of study. The dissertation will allow the student to demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge and should be informed by recent research/scholarship in the discipline.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to select and investigate a topic of relevance to the core components of their programme of study;
2. Collect, edit, assess and review qualitative and/ or quantitative information;
3. Test hypotheses, fulfil aims and / or investigate research questions;
4. Produce a written dissertation which reports clearly and concisely on their investigation and discuss findings / conclusions with clarity and succinctness.
- Planning and organisation
- Problem Solving
- Information literacy
- Research skills
- Analysis, critical and argument
- Computer literacy
Building on areas of research expertise in the School of Design, students will select an area for further investigation within their subject specialism. The focus of individual study, methods of research and outcome are determined between student and supervisor. Students will receive individual and group tutorial support but the emphasis will be on independent study.
Example lecture content might include:
- Introduction to the dissertation
- Integrating literature
- Research ethics
- Research Methodology
- Literature searching, reviewing and referencing
Example group tutorial content might include:
- Understanding the assessment criteria
- Presentation of dissertation questions
- Literature review workshop
- Methodology workshop
- Critical analysis workshop
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group learning | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Lecture | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 352 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
- Online (VLE) support for dissertation skills and information (30 hours)
- Selection of research topic (20 hours)
- Identification and review of background reading material / primary research (120 hours)
- Drafts of text (and, where appropriate, illustrative material) produced (130 hours)
- Final draft produced and submitted (100 hours)
The module includes both individual and group meetings
- First meeting with the supervisor to take place in the first week after registration.
- A plan of activity and a timetable of regular meetings will be negotiated with the supervisor.
- Progress will be monitored through two individual supervisions and five group ones.
- The supervisions will be available to each student over semesters 1 & 2.
Formative assessment point 1 (week seven of semester one.)
- Students required to submit a draft version of approximately 4,000 words, to include: a research aim, objectives; methodology and an example of a review of literature, directly to their supervisor.
- Each student will receive feedback in an individual meeting.
Formative assessment point 2 (week one of semester two.)
- Students required to submit a substantial or near complete draft version of approximately 8,000 words to Turnitin via Minerva.
- An outline of work yet to be completed must also be included.
- Each student will receive written feedback in an individual meeting.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or Dissertation | 10,000 to 12,000 words | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team