FINN3112: Dissertation in Finance

• None

• None

• None

• The dissertation should be a substantial piece of work that provides a detailed and critical examination of a particular topic. Empirical research is encouraged where appropriate to the topic and programme of study, though, is not compulsory.
• Additional aims are:
• to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on an approved topic of interest and present their findings and conclusions in an extended and coherent piece of work.
• to develop students' abilities to plan and manage their own learning.
• to facilitate students' development of research skills and provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an appropriate topic associated with their degree.

• The topic and scope of the dissertation will be decided in consultation with an appropriate member of staff, should be of relevance to their degree and is subject to approval.
• Lectures and consultations will address basic issues of methodology and method, data gathering and data analysis, reviewing literature, structure and presentation of argument, academic writing.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module students are expected:
• to have acquired in-depth knowledge of a relevant topic in finance and relevant research methods in finance

Subject-specific Skills:

• The ability to carefully review and identify relevant literature in finance to develop coherent theoretical arguments, research questions and/or hypotheses.
• The ability to identify appropriate research methods in finance and apply them competently.
• The ability to appreciate how different research methods or research contexts might impact on the results and/or the interpretation of the results of research in finance.

Key Skills:

• Written communication - through summative assessment.
• Planning, Organisation and Working to deadlines.
• Problem Solving and Analysis - by designing research, manipulating concepts and applying analytical skills.
• Initiative - by gaining access to relevant sources.
• Computer literacy - by production of the dissertation in word processed form, accessing literature and other sources via electronic means and as relevant use of computer-based analysis methods.

• Learning is facilitated by lectures, consultations and support for private study.
• Formative assessment is by means of preparation of dissertation outline and draft chapters for discussion at consultations.
• Summative assessment is through the production of a dissertation of 12,000 words. Students will have individual consultation sessions with a named dissertation supervisor throughout the year.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.