Student Guide

Understanding the Three-Track System

Your MSc dissertation follows one of three tracks. Understanding these early helps you plan your journey:

Track A: Structured Research

Choose from pre-approved topics posted by staff. These projects have defined scope and methodology.

Best for: Students who prefer clear direction or are new to research

Track B: Independent Research

Propose your own topic based on your interests. Requires developing a full proposal for approval.

Best for: Students with specific research interests and self-direction

Track C: Industry-Partnered

Work with an external organisation on a real-world problem. Additional requirements apply.

Best for: Students with industry connections or placement opportunities

Discuss track selection with your PDT during your first meeting. If a Track B or C proposal is rejected, you will default to Track A.

Stage 1: Initial Exploration (T1)

Use T1 to explore your options while focusing on taught modules:

First PDT Meeting

Your Personal Development Tutor (PDT) will meet with you to:

  • Discuss your interests and background
  • Assess your English language proficiency for academic writing
  • Advise on which track suits you best
  • Direct you to relevant pre-approved topics or potential supervisors
What You Should Do
  • Browse pre-approved topics - Use the project browser to explore available projects
  • Self-assess your English - Consider whether you need additional support for academic writing
  • Identify areas of interest - Note topics from your modules that excite you
  • Consider your track - Think about whether you want a structured (A), independent (B), or industry (C) project

Stage 2: Proposal Development (T2 Early)

By T2 Week 2, you must submit a 1-page proposal to your PDT for initial feedback.

Proposal Template Sections

Your proposal should include:

  • Working title - A clear, descriptive title
  • Research question or aim - What you intend to investigate
  • Brief background - Why this topic matters
  • Proposed methodology - How you will approach the work
  • Expected outcomes - What you hope to deliver
Track C Additional Requirements: If proposing an industry-partnered project, you must also include details of the external organisation, your contact there, and how data/IP will be managed.
Second PDT Meeting

After submitting your proposal, you'll meet with your PDT to:

  • Receive feedback on feasibility and scope
  • Discuss any revisions needed
  • Confirm your English language readiness
  • Prepare for formal submission

Stage 3: Formal Approval (T2 Mid)

By T2 Week 6-7, you submit your final proposal via Moodle for formal approval.

Approval Criteria

Your proposal will be assessed against:

  • Clarity of research question or aim
  • Feasibility within the timeframe
  • Appropriateness of methodology
  • Availability of resources and data
  • Alignment with programme learning outcomes
Possible Outcomes
  • Approved - Proceed to supervisor allocation
  • Revision required - Address feedback and resubmit
  • Rejected - You will be allocated a Track A (pre-approved) project

Stage 4: Supervision Allocation (T2 Late)

By T2 Week 8-9, you will be allocated a supervisor and internal examiner.

How Allocation Works
  • Supervisors are matched based on expertise relevant to your topic
  • You will also be assigned an internal examiner who will mark your work independently
  • A provisional tier may be assigned based on your proposal
What to Expect

Once allocated, you should:

  • Make contact with your supervisor before T3 begins
  • Prepare questions about scope and expectations
  • Begin preliminary reading and planning

Supervision Phase (T3)

T3 is dedicated to executing your project under supervision.

Supervision Meetings

You must attend a minimum of 6 supervision meetings. For each meeting:

  • Come prepared with progress updates and questions
  • Meeting notes will be recorded by your supervisor
  • You should review and sign the notes to confirm accuracy
  • Notes form part of your evidence trail for authentication
Initial Report (T3 Week 6)

At the mid-point, you submit an Initial Report containing:

  • Literature review
  • Methodology (refined from proposal)
  • Progress to date

Both your supervisor and internal examiner will review this and provide feedback. You will receive a traffic light status:

  • Green - On track for successful completion
  • Amber - Some concerns; action needed
  • Red - Significant concerns; Module Leader notified
Draft Review (T3 Week 11 - Optional)

You may submit a draft dissertation for feedback before final submission. This is optional but recommended.

Assessment Phase

Final Dissertation (T3 Week 12)

Your dissertation must be:

  • 20 pages maximum (excluding references and appendices)
  • IEEE format - Two-column layout with specified formatting
  • Submitted via the designated submission system
Viva Examination

After submission, you will attend a viva (oral examination):

  • 8-minute presentation - Summarise your work and demonstrate understanding
  • 15-minute Q&A - Answer questions from two independent examiners
  • Your supervisor and internal examiner form the panel
Authentication Focus: The viva primarily verifies that the submitted work is your own. Be prepared to explain your methodology, justify your decisions, and discuss your findings in depth.
Mark Uplift

A strong viva performance can result in a mark uplift. If you demonstrate exceptional understanding beyond what's evident in your written work, examiners may increase your final mark.

Key Milestones Summary

See the full dissertation timeline for detailed information.

When Stage What
T1 Stage 1 Initial exploration; first PDT meeting; browse topics; self-assess English
T2 Week 2 Stage 2 Submit 1-page proposal to PDT
T2 Week 4-5 Stage 2 Second PDT meeting; revise proposal based on feedback
T2 Week 6-7 Stage 3 Submit final proposal via Moodle for formal approval
T2 Week 8-9 Stage 4 Receive supervisor and internal examiner allocation
T3 Week 1 Supervision Initial meeting with supervisor; agree schedule
T3 Week 6 Supervision Submit Initial Report; receive traffic light status
T3 Week 11 Supervision Optional draft submission for feedback
T3 Week 12 Assessment Submit final dissertation (20-page IEEE format)
Post-submission Assessment Viva examination (8-min presentation + 15-min Q&A)

Tips for Success

  • Choose your track wisely - Be honest about your research experience and self-direction abilities when selecting between tracks
  • Start early - Begin exploring project topics in T1; don't wait until T2
  • Match your interests - Choose a topic you're genuinely interested in; you'll be working on it for months
  • Be realistic about scope - A focused, well-executed project beats an overly ambitious one
  • Keep detailed records - Document your supervision meetings, decisions, and progress; this supports authentication
  • Manage your time - The dissertation runs alongside other commitments; plan accordingly
  • Engage with feedback - Act on feedback from your PDT, supervisor, and Initial Report review
  • Prepare for the viva - Know your work inside out; be ready to explain and defend your decisions
Quick Links
The Four Stages
  1. Initial Exploration (T1) - Discover interests, meet PDT
  2. Proposal Development (T2 Early) - Draft and refine proposal
  3. Formal Approval (T2 Mid) - Submit for approval via Moodle
  4. Supervision Allocation (T2 Late) - Receive supervisor match
Important

Projects listed in the browser are Track A (pre-approved) topics. If you wish to propose your own topic (Track B) or an industry project (Track C), discuss this with your PDT first.

If your Track B or C proposal is rejected, you will be allocated a Track A project.