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THEO30140: GRADUATE DIPLOMA DISSERTATION (40 CREDITS)

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • 20/40 credit Theology Dissertations (THEO3221, THEO3232).

Aims

  • To enable students to research and write on a specific topic in detail, with supervisory guidance.

Content

  • Dissertation on a topic of the student's choice, approved by the Board of Studies in Theology and Religion, and falling within the scope of the department's work. With tutorial assistance, the student will prepare a formal research proposal on the topic covered by the dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • a systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of the topic;

Subject-specific Skills:

  • skills in the use of specialist resources in the field of Theology and Religion, in order to identify source material, compile bibliographies, and inform research;
  • an understanding of the appropriate forms and conventions used in the discipline for the presentation of bibliographies and research proposals;
  • further skills specific to the field of study chosen;

Key Skills:

  • skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form;
  • the ability to undertake independent study.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Supervision is designed to assist the student in formulation of an appropriate topic and approach, and in research and writing of the dissertation. Through individual discussion and feedback on work submitted, specific issues may be explored in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
  • Through small-group discussion, tutorials on this module provide feedback on student preparation of their research proposal, and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills, and developing an understanding of the appropriate forms and conventions for such proposals.
  • Marking of the dissertation and research proposal assesses the learning outcomes outlined above.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Supervisions7By individual arrangement.1 hr7Yes
Tutorials3By individual arrangement in Michaelmas Term.1 hr3Yes
Preparation and Reading390 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: DissertationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
dissertation of up to 12,000 words including footnotes/endnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography12,000 words100 

Formative Assessment

Drafts of the work, or of parts of it, may be read by the supervisor over the year.

More information

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