Medieval History Dissertation (30 ECTS)

Coordinator: Dr. David Ditchburn

The dissertation must be of 15-20,000 words, excluding notes, appendices and a full bibliography. It must be accompanied by a two-hundred word abstract. It must be word processed, and its presentation should follow a recognized style sheet. Two copies of the work must be submitted, of which both may be ring bound in soft covers. Depending on the sources used, supporting evidence may be submitted in recognized electronic formats (e.g. CDs or DVDs). Each student will be assigned a supervisor who will provide academic guidance and comment during the Hilary and Trinity terms. Such guidance will include observations on written work submitted during this period. It is the responsibility of students to make arrangements to secure such advice. Dissertations must be submitted in the stipulated form and number of copies not later than 5 p.m. on the last Friday in September. No extensions to this deadline will normally be granted. If required a viva voce examination will be held.

Assessment:

Dissertation

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Devise, develop and complete a substantial, intellectually challenging and independent research proposal relating to their field of study
• Identify, access and interpret appropriate source materials, methods, concepts and terminology in the light of existing scholarship
• Develop a coherent and clearly structured argument that engages with original sources and interpretative issues in a critically informed and constructive manner
• Relate the specifics of their research topic to wider issues in the field of public history and cultural heritage
• Demonstrate project management skills
• Demonstrate skills characteristic of professional historians