MG498E      Half Unit
Dissertation/Capstone Project (modular)

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Availability

This course consists of a project which will be undertaken throughout the second year of the degree. Students will choose between an academic dissertation or a capstone project.

The academic dissertation will involve the investigation of a research question rooted in academic theory and existing literature, requiring a critical and analytical approach.

The capstone project, by contrast, will focus on the development and exploration of a new business idea or entrepreneurial venture. It is not a traditional business plan; rather, it is an opportunity for students to assess the viability of a business idea by applying relevant theoretical and practical frameworks

In both pathways, students will be expected to collect and analyse original data relevant to their chosen topic. Projects must demonstrate critical engagement with the subject matter, including analysis of data, acknowledgement of limitations, and the formulation of evidence-based conclusions.

Students are required to participate in scheduled seminars that provide structured guidance for developing their dissertation or capstone project. These sessions will focus on research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and best practices for constructing and developing an effective project.

In addition to the seminars, each student will be allocated a faculty advisor who will offer individualised supervision, providing academic and practical guidance.

Presentation

Presentation

The presentation provides students with an opportunity to showcase their progress and receive valuable feedback from academic faculty, which will support the development of their project to fruition.

Relevant readings will be provided by faculty advisors. However, the following texts serve as useful general guides:

Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research (6th ed.). Sage Publications.

Fowler, F. J. (2013). Survey Research Methods (5th ed.). Sage Publications.

Assessment Pathway 1

Dissertation (100%, 6000 words)

Assessment Pathway 2

Capstone (100%, 6000 words)

The assessment consists of a 6,000-word independent project in the form of either an academic dissertation or a capstone project. This approach allows for deep inquiry, enabling students to engage with academic theory (dissertation) or applied learning (capstone).