Dissertation
Module Description
The dissertation stands as a mandator component within the Master in Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance program, serving as a culmination of students’ academic endeavors and a cornerstone of their professional development.
At its core, the aim of the dissertation is twofold: to generate an original research piece on a meticulously defined topic within the domain of anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance, and to foster the cultivation of deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities, and attitudes relevant to the program of study.
Through rigorous research, critical analysis, and scholarly inquiry, students are tasked with exploring pressing issues, emerging trends, or innovative solutions within the realm of AML and compliance.
Moreover, the dissertation serves as a catalyst for students’ intellectual growth and professional advancement, providing a platform for them to delve into specialized areas of interest and contribute novel insights to the field.
By immersing themselves in independent research and scholarly discourse, students develop a comprehensive understanding of theoretical frameworks, practical methodologies, and ethical considerations inherent to AML and compliance practices.
Furthermore, the dissertation fosters the development of critical thinking skills, research acumen, and a scholarly mindset, equipping students with the competencies necessary to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and drive meaningful change within the field of AML and compliance.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
• Level 6 Degree related to one of the following areas: Law, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Accounting, Governance, Business and Government Policy;
OR
• Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma and 4 years’ work experience, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role;
OR
• Level 6 degree not related to Law, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Accounting, Governance, Business and Government Policy and a minimum of two years relevant experience.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at people within the financial and banking sector, legal sector, governance sector, business sector, artificial intelligence sector, and other individuals seeking professional and academic advancement in the field of Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance.
Module / Unit Instruction
The student is to produce an original piece of research on a clearly defined topic. It is the most substantial piece of independent research work done by the student and may not be shorter than 22,000 words and not to exceed 25,000 words.
The student will receive the support of the assigned Dissertation Supervisor during that period.
Supervised time is 10 hours. Student can meet with supervisor face to face, via Skype or communicate via email or phone calls.
Dissertation Supervisors will be industry professionals and practitioners with related experience.
Role of Dissertation Supervisor:
- Help decide the topic of the dissertation and advise about primary and secondary reading.
- Help with formulating ideas and hypotheses.
- Discuss the progress of work with students
- Offer guidance on the proposed structure.
- Require students to produce drafts of sections or chapters of the dissertation.
- Offer feedback on some of the student drafts, which you can then revise.
- Advise about the organisation of dissertation into sections or chapters.
- Advise about matters of presentation, such as the title page, contents page, pagination, footnoting and bibliography.
Additionally, the student will be provided with a manual/guideline for the submission of the research proposal and dissertation to be presented during Research Methods module and one more time at the beginning of this component.
Recommneded Research Methodologies are:
- Literature Review
- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
- Mixed Methods.
How you’ll be assessed
This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 22,000 words and no longer than 25,000 words to be submitted via an online portal.
Dissertation 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.
Final, MSc Artificial Intelligence qualification grade is a weighted score of:
- Final Modular Grades – 60%
- Final Dissertation Grade – 40%
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
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:
Students will be able to critically analyse the rationale, significance and implications of the following topics as a consolidation to module on Research-based Methods:
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Mix Methods
- Sampling strategies
- Data collection, analysis an interpretation 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:
- Identify a research problem related to anti-money laundering and compliance.
- Formulate the research problem precisely.
- Critically review and synthesise the relevant literature on the subject area in order to construct a conceptual framework to underpin research.
- Apply an appropriate methodology for collecting and for analysing primary and secondary data with due regard to ethical considerations.
- Interpret and present data clearly and critically discuss the findings.
- Appraise the implications of the research outcomes to managerial professional practice.
Judgement Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding in relation to the agreed area of study.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to
- Be able to communicate verbally and in writing the acquired knowledge, understanding, ideas and research findings with a high level of clarity, organisation and coherency in the build-up of an argument.
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.