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You undertake a substantial piece of work on a specialist topic related to community engagement, governance and sustainability. You examine the current state of knowledge on your selected issue and, by carrying out original primary research, you develop understanding.

The dissertation is a form of independent study; it provides you with a vehicle for exploring an aspect of community engagement, governance and sustainability that fascinates you and/or is of value in your work or to your employer.

The ability to complete this self-directed, critical and rigorous investigation is a hallmark of graduate competence. As part of the exercise you collect, analyse and synthesise data in order to explore and explain key concepts, knowledge and values related to your selected topic. You demonstrate proficiency in effective communication, initiative, organisational and time management.  A dissertation demonstrates creativity and a contribution to knowledge and understanding and presents well-argued conclusions and recommendations.

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

i. Knowledge and understanding. 

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complex and contested nature of community engagement and governance
2. Analyse and evaluate diverse perspectives on a selected issue
3. Demonstrate knowledge of one specialist aspect of community engagement and governance in depth

ii. Skills. 

1. Research, analyse and evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources
2. Construct logical, well-informed arguments on a complex issue, bringing together ideas from a variety of sources
3. Clearly communicate ideas verbally, graphically and in written form

This is an independent study module based on 300 hours study.
Staff/student contact: 10% (residential school, face-to-face, telephone and online support)
Student directed learning: 90%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.