thesis format Year 4 Research Project Context In response to the need to re-direct the nature and format of the final year research project in the near future, the purpose of this proposal is to suggest an amended model of the current thesis format as an interim strategy. Further, it is anticipated that a re-design of the fourth year research process will occur (to be discussed at a later date) and re-focus the efforts of students to more applied research scenarios. The central tenets and aspirations of the proposed change include: i. Maintain certain elements of the current thesis format that are familiar to both students and staff; ii. Ensure a level of continuity in the process of conducting and supervising undergraduate research; iii. Avoid the issue of staff supervising (and over-supervising) a cohort of students with diverse research topics ; iv. Allowing control over the range of topics to be researched; v. Introduce, albeit in a minor fashion initially, the use of co-ordinated group work which, it is anticipated will be a design characteristic of the ‘New Model’ in the future;vi. Allow the option for staff to suggest topics of interest that would serve as a basis for students to research and generate a knowledge base and research profile ;vii. To highlight to students the need to take ownership and responsibility for the work they undertake; viii. Offer the possibility to co-author or even present material at conferences if circumstances allowed (e.g. time, resources, opportunities to do so etc..)Proposed New Structure – Year 4 Research Project (10 ECTS)Keeping in mind the essence of the undergraduate research programme at the College, and without diluting the integrity of the process, the following model is conjectured as an alternative interim approach to managing the thesis process for this academic year:Marks Breakdown out of 100%:- Research Project Proposal: 10%- Literature Review: 15%- Research Methodology: 10%- Soft-bound Copy of Research Project (x 3): 15%- Group Presentation: 50% of which: Poster Element = 25% & Oral Presentation = 25%[Overall project word age approximately 6,500 words]Finer Details of Amended Model Thesis is provided by UK thesis base a) A Range of possible topics voluntarily offered to students that could reflect the interests of staff or areas of expertise.
