Resource

Dissertation / Thesis

Author: ATU Galway

What is it?

Students produce independent research on a question or problem of their choice and produce a substantial thesis/dissertation providing a deep understanding of the topic. This document is submitted to support the students’ academic degree.

Advantages & Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

Advantages

A thesis or dissertation allows students to engage in extensive, in-depth research on a specific topic. This promotes a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
The process of developing a thesis requires students to think critically, analyse existing literature, and synthesize information to contribute new insights or perspectives to the field.
Writing a thesis encourages independent learning. Students take ownership of their research, learning to manage their time, set goals, and work autonomously.
Students can choose a topic of personal interest or relevance to their career goals, enabling them to specialize in a particular area within their field of study. For those planning to pursue advanced degrees, the thesis experience provides valuable preparation for the rigor of graduate-level research.

Challenges

Tips for Use

Define clear learning objectives aligned with the program or course goals that students are expected to achieve through the dissertation or thesis.
Ensure that the assessment measures the desired competencies, such as research skills, critical analysis, and academic writing.
Provide students with guidance and support throughout the dissertation or thesis process. Assign experienced supervisors to support students, assist with research design, literature review, data collection, analysis, and writing.
Establish a structured framework for the dissertation or thesis, including specific requirements for formatting, organisation, referencing style, and submission deadlines.

Resources

Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence – Microsoft Word – Pugh|CompendiumOfAssessment.docx (leeds.ac.uk)(page 25)
University College Dublin (UCD): Thesis/Dissertation (ucd.ie)
Golding, C. Sharon Sharmini & Ayelet Lazarovitch (2014) What examiners do: what thesis students should know, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 39:5, 563-576.

Resource for students:

Atlantic Technological University (ATU): Theses – Theses & Dissertations – LibGuides at ATU Library

Sample Rubrics

Texas A&M University: https://inside.tamuc.edu/academics/graduateschool/thesis%20and%20dissertation%20services/graduate%20rep%20rubrics.aspx
University of South Carolina: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/engineering_and_computing/internal/documents/teaching_curriculum/thesis_dissertation_rubric_template.pdf
University of Northern Iowa: ORAL COMPREHENSIVE RUBRIC (uni.edu)
Syracuse University (2014): Final Dissertation Paper Rubric (syr.edu)

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