ST499      One Unit
Dissertation

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

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

Students will carry out 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.

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

In addition, students will be expected to attend two compulsory sessions during Winter Term. The first at the beginning of Winter Term will be a dissertation support session, which will provide information about the dissertation, the process and the expectations.

In the second session, at the end of Winter Term, students will be required to give a structured summary of their work in progress, including slides.

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

• 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.

Dissertation (100%)

(50 page limit).