Every student progressing to the degree of MSc is expected to write a dissertation on a topic of his/her own choosing. A dissertation is an argument based on primary sources, placed in the context of existing historiography. Its focus on primary source material is what distinguishes from a long essay, and it is important that you identify a manageable and appropriate body of sources on which to base your research. You will need to start thinking about the topic and sources for your dissertation from the beginning of your degree, and various components of RRSH will help you move towards shaping a topic and being ready to undertake a programme of research by the end of Semester 2. The dissertation should aim to build an argument and make a case in a coherent and convincing fashion; it should prove its case through an informed and critically aware use of primary sources; it should show how its argument relates to the existing secondary literature. Ideally your dissertation should constitute an original contribution to its field, and the best dissertations are equivalent to a publishable journal article.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Dissertation, 15,000 words OR

■ Substantial piece of creative or placement work, accompanied by a 9-12,000 word scholarly reflection/account

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the written assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ train students in the form, style, apparatus and techniques of a scholarly piece of historical writing.

■ extend knowledge of a particular period chosen by the student, at a depth greater than that achieved in undergraduate study.

■ encourage the independent and original analysis of a complex range of appropriate source materials.

■ prepare students for further graduate study of an advanced kind, to M.Litt. or Ph.D. level, should the student so desire

On completion of the dissertation the student should be able to:

■ assemble and assess material from a variety of sources, including libraries, archives, interviews and web-based storage media.

■ undertake and complete a sustained piece of independent original historical research