The purpose of the dissertation is to show that you are able to write (AND PRESENT) in an academic way, carry out research into the relevant academic literature and write about the research in a logical and clear way.
To complete your dissertation, you have to show your marker that you can –
- Set a relevant title for your research.
- Decide on aims for your research.
- Carry out a background research relevant to your dissertation.
- Summarise and clearly explain the research.
- Discuss relevant points.
- Argue relevant points related to your dissertation title.
- Follow the correct format for the dissertation.
- Write within the appropriate word limits.
- Use academic language.
- Write references.
- Remember that this is an academic piece of writing. You may choose to study something practical eg. The Development of a Cottage Garden. That is a suitable title, but you must write academically about what is a cottage garden, the plants that are suitable, soil composition, garden designs and so on.
- Present your Dissertation to an audience
Lesson Structure
There are 9 lessons in this course:
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Developing a Research Proposal
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Background Research
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Literature Review
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Research Methodology
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Data Analysis
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Preparation of First Draft
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Preparation of Second Draft
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Submission of Final Documentation
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Presentation
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
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. The aim of a dissertation for a Masters level qualification is to provide 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.
THE WORLD IS CHANGING –AND SO IS EDUCATION
Flexible Study
Choose how you study, where you study, what you study, how much you study, and when you study.
- Work fast or slow –you choose the intensity of study
- Start, pause or restart according to changing demands of work, family or lifestyle.
- Mix and match modules so you only study what you want or need to learn -We allow you to construct your own “tailor made” certificates or diplomas
- Options in assignments allow you to focus on things with greater interest to you.
- Study electronically (online or using a CD); or using printed notes.
- Use (or don’t use) supplementary services for extra learning want –unlimited access to tutors, an online student room, social media, bookstore, etc
- Orientation video and student Manual at the start of your course will provide a clear guide to how you can study and get all sorts of support no matter where you live.
Why Distance Education is Better
Classroom based education today is in crisis. Funding is under pressure, teachers are often stressed and increasingly, text books that were the back bone of courses in the past are becoming unavailable as electronic publishing impacts on the print media industry.
These pressures (and others) have resulted in the quality of classroom education diminishing. At the same time, technological advances have been allowing distance education to get better and better every year.
ACS started in 1979, and by 1982 was using computer technology to write and print courses. We have developed our school alongside a global technological revolution; adopting and applying new technologies to distance education as those technologies have emerged. Our experience has taught us how to deliver education in the most effective way, using modern technology; and allowed us to build a reputation that sets our graduates apart in the global marketplace.
- Too many courses today are stuck in the past; giving graduates qualifications (often accredited), but leaving them with out of date skills and often unemployed.
- Too many students commence courses with their sights on a job that exists when they start studying, but not recognising the fact that industries are changing so fast that by the time they finish studies, their job prospects may be completely different (The job they started out chasing might not even exist by the time they finish studying).
Fantastic Opportunities
This fast changing world of ours can be unsettling for some. We all prefer to set our sights on a long term goal, and achieve it. The reality is that the ability to live that way is diminishing every year that passes.
You have two choices in your education –
- One is to ignore the changes underway in our world; and hope that studying something that has worked in the past, will work for you in the future.
- The other is to recognise that that there will be unforeseen opportunities in the future, and then prepare yourself as best you can to capitalize on those opportunities.
- Being prepared to capitalize on future opportunities in your field of study.
- Awareness of the subject and the industry
- Understanding of how to use what is learnt in real life situations
- Ability to communicate with greater confidence and accuracy
- Capacity to solve problems related to this subject
