The dissertation encourages independent and original work through deeper study of a particular art historical, or related, problem. It encourages the application of acquired research skills working with primary and secondary material in an informed and critical manner, demonstrating both original research and a good understanding of the field of study.

4 x 1 hour supervisor meetings

None

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Oral presentation at the Postgraduate Symposium - 10%

■ 15,000 word dissertation - 90%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ Recorded presentation or one-to-one presentation (to the lecturer) as an alternative to the oral presentation

■ There is no alternative to the dissertation, but a flexible deadline be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ develop and sustain an argument in an area of the student's personal research interest in their chosen subject area

■ promote an engagement with other scholarly, critical, or theoretical arguments relevant to that area.

■ encourage the application of acquired research skills to a supervised project.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Define, plan and execute a sustained, focused, coherent and original research project in an area relevant to their subject area;

■ Source, select and critically evaluate appropriate primary and secondary material for their chosen subject area and use this material effectively in the final dissertation;

■ Work independently and maintain professional conduct in relation to any internal or external institutions or partners involved in the project (if relevant);

■ Apply appropriate academic conventions with regard to referencing and provision of bibliographic information;

■ Execute a substantial piece of written work in clear and appropriate academic English, and which demonstrates detailed first-hand knowledge of their chosen area of investigation.