Dissertation Preparation and Professional Practice for Students of Art History

Module Identifier: AH21020
Module Title: Dissertation Preparation and Professional Practice for Students of Art History
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 2
Co-ordinator: Dr Sara Ayres
Reading List: View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite: AH11520
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff: Miss Eleanor West; Dr Julian Ruddock

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Literature Review 2,000 words: 2000 Words	50%
Semester Assessment	Research proposal 2,000 words: 2000 Words	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Literature Review 2,000 words: 2000 Words	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Research Proposal 2,000 words: 2000 Words	50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Articulate research aims and career goals
Access and assess academic sources online and conduct effective library research
Develop a dissertation topic and sustain an argument
Review current academic literature on a chosen topic
Write a research proposal
Outline and paragraph effectively
Incorporate researched materials through quotations and paraphrases

Brief description

This core module for Single Honours Art History and Single Honours Art History with Fine Art prepares students for the third-year Dissertation module.

It is designed to guide students through the process of developing the dissertation project from the early stages of a) exploring potential subjects and b) securing a supervisor to subsequent stages of c) renegotiating, revising and redefining the research topic and d) outlining and drafting the dissertation.

The module provides skills essential to written and verbal communication in an academic and professional context, including MLA style documentation and citation, outlining, proposal and CV writing, as well as presenting, negotiating and defending a research project.

The mechanics of academically sound writing, scholarly presentation and the use of appropriate resources, methodologies and patterns of organisation are conveyed through workshop exercises, projects and individual research/writing assignments.

By the end of the module, students will have defined a dissertation topic, begun an initial draft of their dissertation in consultation with the supervisor of their choice, and prepared a professional CV/cover letter.

Content

As an indication, seminar topics include the following:

• Making effective use of academic resources
• Assessing primary and secondary sources
• Quoting and paraphrasing
• Considering theoretical approaches
• Establishing and sustaining a thesis
• Outlining and paragraphing
• Negotiating the research project with members of staff
• Articulating career goals
• Identifying transferable skills
• Updating CVs and covering letters

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Application of Number	N/A
Communication	Articulating ideas and stating research aims through seminar discussions, PowerPoint presentation, Dissertation Planner, and Research Proposal.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Managing time/meeting set deadlines, developing proofreading/editing skills. Conducting independent research.
Information Technology	Retrieving sources (literature and digital images) from academic research portals and online databases
Personal Development and Career planning	Preparing a professional PowerPoint presentation of the research project, outlining its aims and scope and demonstrating its relevance and feasibility.Developing a career profile, articulating career goals and gaining awareness of transferable skills.Composing a CV and covering letter (not assessed).
Problem solving	Developing, defining, negotiating and defending a research project in seminar preparation/discussion and individual tutorials.Drafting, editing, and updating manuscripts.Composing a Dissertation Planner to approach and secure a Dissertation Supervisor
Research skills	Conducting research (online and in libraries/galleries).Assessing primary and secondary sources.
Subject Specific Skills	Although students work on their subject specific proposals in the fields of art history and/or museum studies, the emphasis is on broadly applicable and transferable professional skills.
Team work	Participating in workshop activities in writing and editing, as well as in group discussions. Providing/receiving peer feedback.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5