Dissertation

Module Description

The dissertation is a compulsory element of the B.Sc. in Construction Project Management and Construction Studies.  

The aim of it is to produce an original piece of research work on a clearly defined topic. 

The dissertation provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in independent research and scholarly inquiry.

By selecting a specific topic of interest within the realm of construction project management and construction studies, students are tasked with conducting thorough investigations, synthesizing existing literature, and generating new insights or contributions to the field.

This process not only hones students’ research skills but also cultivates their ability to critically analyze information, evaluate evidence, and construct coherent arguments.

The dissertation serves as a cornerstone of the B.Sc. in Construction Project Management and Construction Studies, constituting a compulsory element of the program.

At its core, the aim of the dissertation is twofold: to facilitate the creation of an original piece of research on a clearly defined topic and to foster the development of deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities, and attitudes within the context of the program of study.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who wish to apply for the B.Sc. Top-Up degree must possess the following:

• a full qualification at MQF Level 5 with 120 ECTS in a discipline related to this programme.

Candidates who wish to apply for the Level 6 Award must possess the following:

• a qualification at MQF Level 5 in a discipline related to this programme;

OR

• any other qualification at MQF Level 5 and 3 years’ work experience within the construction industry.

Target Audience

This course is targeted at:

• Professionals within the construction industry with a full Level 5 qualification in construction-related studies, seeking to achieve a B.Sc. Top-Up degree;
• Professionals within the construction industry seeking professional and academic advancement, leading to a Level 6 Award.

Module / Unit Instruction

Student will receive a support of the assigned Dissertation Supervisor during that period. Student can meet with supervisor face to face, via Skype or communicate via email or phone calls.  

The Role of Dissertation Supervisor: 

• Help decide the topic of 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 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, 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.  

Students are strongly encouraged to use any of the following Research Methodologies: 

• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
• Mixed Methods

How you’ll be assessed

This unit shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 12,000 words and no longer than 15,000 words to be submitted via online portal.  

The dissertation must be submitted for examination upon completion of all required modules in conformity with the course bye-laws. It will be done via online portal that has its plagiarism detection tool installed. 

Dissertation marking guidelines will emphasize originality, clarity, and candidate’s critical abilities. 

Dissertation Grading Structure:

Between 86 and over – Pass with Distinction 

Between 71-85 – Pass with Credit

Between  60 to 70 – Pass with Merit 

Between 50 and 59 – Pass 

49 and less– Fail  

Final qualification grade is a weighted score of: 

• Final Modular Grades – 60%  
• Final Dissertation Grade – 40%