ST499     
Dissertation

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Tengyao Wang and Dr Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research), MSc in Statistics (Research) and MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) (Research). This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

Taking the Dissertation module (ST499) gives you an opportunity to study in-depth a topic of specific interest to you, and to apply knowledge and skills gained during the MSc programme. Your study may involve the application of one or more of the topics covered in the programme.

You will carry an independent project work on a subject chosen. The subject can include, but is not limited to, i) analysis of a previously unanalysed dataset, or one for which existing analyses are unsatisfactory; ii) attempt at innovation in statistical methodology; and iii) comparison and critique of existing statistical methodologies.

Teaching

No formal teaching hours. The students should arrange regular and frequent meetings with supervisors. 

Formative coursework

No formative coursework. The students should meet with their supervisors on a regular basis to get feedback on any written sections of their dissertations.

Indicative reading

  • P. Halmos. How to Write Mathematics. https://sites.math.washington.edu/~lind/Resources/Halmos.pdf
  • M. Carey. The social work dissertation: using small-scale qualitative methodology. 2nd edtion, Open University Press, 2013.
  • G. D. Garson. The Literature Review in Research and Dissertation Writing (Statistical Associates Blue Book Series 41). Statistical Publishing Associates, 2013.
  • C. Hart. Doing Your Masters Dissertation. SAGE Study Skills Series, 2004.

Assessment

Dissertation (100%) in August.

(50 page limit).

Student performance results

(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 47.6
Merit 38.1
Pass 9.5
Fail 4.8

Key facts

Department: Statistics

Total students 2022/23: 10

Average class size 2022/23: Unavailable

Controlled access 2022/23: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills