Module information

Your first source of help with your dissertation should be the module descriptor, which is available from OASIS.

The module descriptor will give you some very basic information, such as:

• What your project must include, e.g. report and poster
• The size of the project, e.g. a 7,500-word dissertation plus product
• The percentage of marks available for each part of the project
• The time allocated for tutorials and seminars, assessment and independent study
• The week for submission of the assessed work

Please read the module descriptor for the precise requirements for your project. If there is more than one section e.g. practical work, report and poster, it is important to keep in mind the proportion of marks awarded to each. The more marks available, the more time you should probably spend on it.

You should also read any handbooks or guides your tutor provides for detailed information on what you are being required to do and what support you can expect.  For example, there will be information on:

• Whether you need to gain ethical approval for your research before you can start it
• What to expect from your tutor or supervisor - and what you can't expect them to help with
• What to do if you want to change your project part-way through
• How to present your finished work

The descriptor and guide provide important information.  These might not seem interesting, but make sure you read them as you get started and keep looking back to make sure you've not missed or forgotten something important.