Dissertation
The Masters dissertation is a research project in its own right, with an emphasis on independent and original study. It forms a major component of each Masters programme, as it accounts for one third of the total credits taken by each student.
The dissertation provides the opportunity to apply the learning from the taught modules by addressing a specific issue in depth. Dissertation research often involves field work and data collection and the research output should ideally form the basis for future publication, such as a journal article, written up together with the dissertation supervisor.
Students are encouraged to start thinking about their dissertation as early as possible and usually choose optional modules which underpin the topic. Staff across ITS contribute to a list of possible topics, which relate to on-going research themes and collaborations. Students are free to select from the list or develop their own ideas. Each student is individually supported by an expert supervisor who advises on the research methodology and helps keep the student on track. Assessment is via a 15000 word thesis, plus milestones along the way of an interim report, oral presentation and poster.
- 2011 Topics
- 2011 Presentations
- 2010 Topics
- 2010 Presentations
Dissertation poster
As part of the assessment process, each student presents a poster on their dissertation methodology and research progress to date. The dissertation supervisors attend and ask students probing questions – the answers to which, together with the quality of the poster, determines the mark awarded. This poster session takes place on a single day each year around Easter time; sponsors and prospective students also invited to attend. Recent posters and photographs of the presentations are provided above.
Industrial dissertation
Increasingly, we regard the dissertation as an important means of connecting postgraduate research with the interests and challenges faced by those working directly in the transport sector. Through our links with industry (transport operators, consultants, government etc), we are able to match student interests to real-world issues, which would benefit from some dedicated dissertation research time. These industrial dissertation topics, which are suggested and supported by industry, offer a number of advantages:
- Addresses real-world transport challenges and issues
- Provides external organisations with research capability
- Gives ITS students direct access to industry information & data
- Can form the basis for a subsequent PhD topic
- Provides ITS students with experience of working with industry
- Enables ITS students to network directly with industry professionals
Some of the organisations recently involved as partners in industrial dissertations are:
