Lesson Structure: Advanced Certificate Dissertation Preparation – BHT330

There are 8 lessons:

1  Developing a Research Proposal

• Introduction
• Dissertation Proposal
• Defining Your Research Topic
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Timetable
• Academic Writing
• A Word on Plagarism
• Ethical Research
• Human Research
• Non Human Research
• Human Research Ethics Committee
• Category of Research – Human
• ADL Human Research Ethics Committee
• Initial Application for Approval to Undertake Teaching or Research Involving Human Subjects

2  Background Research

• Organisation of Work
• Organisation of References
• Collecting Information
• Finding Literature
• Organising Research Material

3  Literature Review

• What is a Literature Review
• Research Objectives
• What Makes a Good Literature Review
• Finding Literature
• Critical Reading
• Literature Review Structure
• Writing

4  Research Methodology

• Introduction
• Data Collection
• Research Integrity

5  Data Analysis

• Introduction
• Data Organisation
• Limitations of Your Research

6  Preparation of First Draft

• Introduction
• Thesis Structure
• Presentation
• Proof Reading
• Writing the Conclusion
• Writing the Introduction
• Writing the Abstract
• Marking Scheme

7  Preparation of Second Draft

• Prepare final draft of dissertation 1

8  Submission of Final Documentati  on

• Presentation
• Declaration

Please Note:  Each lesson concludes in an assignment, submitted to your Tutor for marking and returned with relevant suggestions, comments, and, extra reading where appropriate.

Learning Goals: Advanced Certificate Dissertation Preparation – BHT330

1. Select and define for approval a current and relevant subject for research
2. Prepare a framework with which to organize your research. Carry out research to support your topic. Perform secondary research to provide information for a literature review
3. Prepare a literature review for inclusion in your thesis
4. Prepare the first part of the Research Methods chapter for the thesis
5. Prepare the second part of the Research Methods chapter for the thesis
6. Creation of a complete first thesis draft
7. Prepare final draft of dissertation 1
8. Prepare final draft of dissertation 2

Practicals:

Due to the wide variety of terminology surrounding dissertations and thesis from country to country we will define the term dissertation as not a singular research project that satisfies requirements for a higher degree, but to a very substantial project that is submitted in part to satisfy a coursework higher degree.

Please Note:  The purpose of a dissertation for a post graduate level qualification, is to be able to demonstrate evidence of an understanding of the field, and which may also contribute to the knowledge in that field.

As such this module allows the student to engage in research on a topic that is of particular interest to them as well as demonstrating not only their research, analytical and investigative skills, but also their ability to work independently with self determination.

This module will require a substantial commitment from the student. Not only will the student be engaged in independent research and will be required to submit substantial assignments they will also have to verbally defend their research once it is completed.

This module is not a workshop or a research project, it represents a very large commitment of time and effort and will result in a piece of original work by the student.

What Are You Considering as a Topic?

Prior to commencing your dissertation you will need to submit a dissertation proposal for approval before you may commence study in this module.  This will allow us to assign an appropriate tutor.   If you already have a preferred tutor please include this in the proposal.

It is most likely that the most suitable topic for you will be one that lies within the field of your personal or professional interests.  There are several reasons for this;

• Due to the high relevance of the topic to your own interests it is most likely that you yourself will be highly motivated and will pursue your research with vigour and interest.
• By keeping the topic within your personal or professional interests it is likely that you will already have a high level of prior knowledge pertaining to the topic. This can easily guide you to given problems or gaps in the research on which to base your research question.
• By selecting a topic related to personal or professional interests it may assist you with access to data collection, thus providing you with easy logistical support.

It is also possible to select a topic that they have already spent sometime in previous study or it may be closely related to a module already completed thus providing you with a relationship with the previous tutor who may also be able to guide you in your topic selections.  It is well worth considering the following points:

• It should be a subject that you will be able to complete within the given time frame
• There need to be adequate resources and materials available to ensure completion

This course is taught by:

Lee Raye

M.A. (hons) Celtic Studies, (the University of Aberdeen); M.St. Celtic Studies, (the University of Oxford)

Lee is a PhD candidate at Cardiff University with degrees from Aberdeen and Oxford. He has written two books, digitalised another and written several academic papers. He has been interviewed by National Geographic and presented papers at eight different national and international conferences. Lee’s native language is English and, if asked, he is always happy to help students with their English spelling and grammar. He is also a keen proponent of the digital revolution and dreams of a world where all books are available instantly to be read, searched or treasured. Although he mainly writes non-fiction, he loves Victorian literature as well as modern fiction and poetry of all kinds. His academic knowledge of medieval events, cultures and the history of Britain’s environment make him especially qualified to help students interested in writing sci-fi and fantasy.

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Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

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Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
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Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
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Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

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Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.