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    Overview

    A supervised research dissertation of up to 20,000 words on an approved topic.

    This is a required component of the coursework option for the MA in Sociology. The topic and timeframe for completion will be determined in consultation with the dissertation supervisor.

    About this paper

    Paper title Research Dissertation
    Subject Sociology
    EFTS 0.5
    Points 60 points
    Teaching period(s) Full Year (On campus)
    1st Non standard period (12 July 2024 - 4 July 2025) (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $4,446.50
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Limited to
    MA
    Eligibility

    Available to students admitted to the Sociology programme in the coursework option for the Master of Arts.

    Contact

    sgsc@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Marcelle Dawson

    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.

    Individual supervision.

    Textbooks
    There is no set textbook.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Scholarship, Self-motivation, Information Literacy, Research, Communication, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Global Perspective, Lifelong Learning, Cultural Understanding, Environmental Literacy.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students successfully completing the paper will be able to demonstrate an:

    • Ability to design and develop a coherent and appropriate research question that draws on the theoretical and methodological knowledge of their chosen discipline (Scholarship, Self-motivation)
    • Ability to plan, conduct, analyse and report an original research study in their chosen discipline (Information Literacy, Research, Communication)
    • Aptitude for considering and evaluating evidence; for engaging in the highest ethical standards of research and scholarship; and for approaching their research with flexibility, adaptability and creativity (Critical Thinking, Ethics)
    • Intellectual openness and curiosity and an awareness of the limits of current knowledge in their chosen field as well as the links amongst disciplines (Interdisciplinary Perspective)
    • Understanding of how their research relates to society and, where appropriate, use their research to contribute to wider society, whether within or outside New Zealand, and, where appropriate, to the environment and Māori aspirations (Global Perspective, Lifelong Learning, Cultural Understanding, Environmental Literacy)

    Timetable

    Full Year

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    None

    1st Non standard period (12 July 2024 - 4 July 2025)

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Overview

    A supervised research dissertation of up to 20,000 words on an approved topic.

    This is a required component of the coursework option for the MA in Sociology. The topic and timeframe for completion will be determined in consultation with the dissertation supervisor.

    About this paper

    Paper title Research Dissertation
    Subject Sociology
    EFTS 0.5
    Points 60 points
    Teaching period(s) 1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026) (On campus)
    2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026) (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Limited to
    MA
    Eligibility

    Available to students admitted to the Sociology programme in the coursework option for the Master of Arts.

    Contact

    sgsc@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: To be confirmed

    Teaching Arrangements

    The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.

    Individual supervision.

    Textbooks
    There is no set textbook.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Scholarship, Self-motivation, Information Literacy, Research, Communication, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Global Perspective, Lifelong Learning, Cultural Understanding, Environmental Literacy.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students successfully completing the paper will be able to demonstrate an:

    • Ability to design and develop a coherent and appropriate research question that draws on the theoretical and methodological knowledge of their chosen discipline (Scholarship, Self-motivation)
    • Ability to plan, conduct, analyse and report an original research study in their chosen discipline (Information Literacy, Research, Communication)
    • Aptitude for considering and evaluating evidence; for engaging in the highest ethical standards of research and scholarship; and for approaching their research with flexibility, adaptability and creativity (Critical Thinking, Ethics)
    • Intellectual openness and curiosity and an awareness of the limits of current knowledge in their chosen field as well as the links amongst disciplines (Interdisciplinary Perspective)
    • Understanding of how their research relates to society and, where appropriate, use their research to contribute to wider society, whether within or outside New Zealand, and, where appropriate, to the environment and Māori aspirations (Global Perspective, Lifelong Learning, Cultural Understanding, Environmental Literacy)

    Timetable

    1st Non standard period (28 February 2025 - 20 February 2026)

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    2nd Non standard period (11 July 2025 - 3 July 2026)

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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