Dissertation
Module Description
The dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc in Construction Management.
The aim of it is to produce an original piece of research work on a clearly defined topic.
Additionally, it is to enable the student to develop deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities and attitudes in the context of the programme of study.
Guidelines:
- It is the most substantial piece of independent research work done by the student and may not be below 22,000 words and not to exceed 25,000 words.
- The dissertation must be submitted for examination upon completion of all required modules (It is pre-requisite that all required courses have been passed (7 core and 3 electives)
- Dissertation submission will be done via online portal that has its plagiarism detection tool installed.
- The dissertation aims to provide the candidate with first hand exposure to a real industrial or commercial study; it might involve a literature survey, feasibility study or market research, data collection, analysis, costing and recommending solutions to a particular problem, or perhaps some novel research. Selection of topic is based on student and their interests in relation to the modules studied.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a Level 6 degree in a related field;
OR
- a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a managerial role.
Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related to construction, and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the industry.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at professionals with supervisory and/or middle management experience in the construction industry who wish to have a more thorough background in the subject in order to further advance their careers , namely:
- Architects and Civil Engineers
- Mechanical and Electrical Building Services Engineers
- Project Managers and Coordinators
- Project Owners
The target group can be extended to groups working within the construction industry, such as logistics managers, maintenance managers and facilities managers.
Career Paths
This programme aims to prepare you for senior posts within the industry, such as that of construction manager, head of the construction department or construction director of any construction organisation both in the private and public sector.
How you’ll be assessed
This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 22,000words and no longer than 25,000 words to be submitted via online portal.
Dissertation marking guidelines will emphasize originality, clarity, and candidate’s critical abilities.
Final MSc qualification grade is suggested to be a weighted score of:
- Final Modular Grades – 60%
- Final Dissertation Grade – 40%
Grading Structure
Between 86 and over – Pass with Distinction
Between 71-85 – Pass with Credit
Between 56 to 70 – Pass with Merit
Between 41 and 55 – Pass
40 and less– Fail
Additional Info
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
1: Establishing a Research Territory
- Show that the general research area is important, central, interesting, problematic, or relevant.
- Present and review items of previous research in the area.
- Be conscious and responsible for the ethical aspects of research and development work.
2: Creating a Niche
- Indicate a gap in the previous research, or extend previous knowledge in some way.
- Contribute to research and development work.
3: Occupying the Niche
- Outline purposes or state the nature of the present research.
- Comply research questions or hypotheses.
- Announce principal findings.
- State the value of the present research.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Qualitative Research Methods.
- Quantitative Research Methods.
- Mix Methods.
- Topic Selection.
- Research Questions and Hypothesis.
- Structure of Research Paper.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Identify a research problem with a managerial perspective within environment.
- Relate problem to some relevant theory studied in this programme.
- Formulate the research problem precisely.
- Explain the significance of the study.
- Generate interest in the problem by giving a comprehensive overview of the background to the problem.
- Compile relevant historic and currently available literature / secondary information in and around the field of study.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.