HASC590 Dissertation

A supervised dissertation of up to 20,000 words presenting the results of an original research project on a relevant topic in the student’s area of interest within health sciences.

HASC 590 is the 60-point dissertation for the Master of Health Sciences. It is one of three possible research pathways for the Master of Health Sciences, with the other two being the 120-point thesis pathway and the 30-point research project pathway. The dissertation involves an original research project of up to 20,000 words in a field of health sciences, usually applied to the student's area of practice.

The research is characterised by the critical analysis of primary or secondary data. The research is planned, conducted and reported by the student under the supervision of at least two supervisors (academic staff with expertise in the relevant field or methodology). The final dissertation is submitted for examination by two independent examiners. The dissertation is completed in one semester of full-time study or the equivalent in part time student.

A 'Guide to Master of Health Sciences Research Options' is available from Postgraduate Programme Administrators.

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Limited to

MHealSc

Eligibility

For Master of Health Sciences students only. Completion of an approved 30-point, Level 8 (or above) research methods paper is a prerequisite (unless an exemption has been granted).

Contact

postgrad-health-sciences@otago.ac.nz (Dunedin)
ruth.helms@otago.ac.nz (Christchurch)
trevor.williams@otago.ac.nz (Wellington)

More information link

A 'Guide to Master of Health Sciences Research Options' is available from Postgraduate Programme Administrators

Teaching staff

Teaching staff consist solely of the student's supervisors. A minimum of two supervisors are required. In some instances, a third co-supervisor may be appropriate. Students are responsible for seeking out potential supervisors and reaching initial agreement. Supervisory arrangements are then formally approved by the programme Convenor or Research Team through the 'research proposal approval' process.

Paper Structure

HASC 590 begins with the student identifying the topic they want to research and finding qualified and available supervisors. A research proposal is prepared (in consultation with the supervisors) and submitted for approval. Where relevant, ethical approval may also be required before data collection can begin.

Once the proposal is approved, the student undertakes the project as outlined in the proposal. Regular meetings with the supervisors are expected. 'Milestones' are usually established and discussed with supervisors to monitor the progress of the research and draft manuscripts. The final dissertation (of up to 20,000 words) is submitted for examination by two independent examiners. Examiners are nominated by the supervisor and approved by the Convenor and the Division. Examiners submit their recommendations to the Convenor; the Convenor determines the final result.

Teaching Arrangements

A Supervision Memorandum of Understanding (establishing responsibilities, expectations, timelines, etc for both student and supervisor) is to be prepared at the beginning of the dissertation project.

Textbooks

Research resources will vary depending on the research involved and should be discussed with the supervisors.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Scholarship, Critical thinking, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

The dissertation will demonstrate the student's ability:

• to master a high level of understanding of the content and theoretical basis of their field of study
• to develop a research proposal to address a research question
• to carry out independent research with supervisory support
• to critically analyse relevant literature, data, and theoretical concepts
• to build a coherent argument by synthesising existing knowledge, theory, and original reflection
• to communicate research outcomes effectively in writing.

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