DISSERTATION GUIDELINES - um.edu.mt
Transcript of DISSERTATION GUIDELINES - um.edu.mt
Page 1
University of Malta Faculty for Social Wellbeing Department of Gender and Sexualities
DISSERTATION GUIDELINES Master of Gender Studies
2020 - 2022
Page 2
Students may contact the Dissertations Coordinator, Dr Marceline Naudi on
[email protected] for any clarifications or help they might need throughout the
whole process.
December 2020
Page 3
CONTENTS PAGE
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. 6
LIST OF USEFUL LINKS .................................................................................................. 7
PART 1: GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A DISSERTATION ...................................... 8 1.0 CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 8
2.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................... 9
3.0 DISSERTATIONS PANEL ..................................................................................... 9
4.0 CHOICE OF TOPIC ............................................................................................... 9
5.0 DATELINES ......................................................................................................... 10
6.0 SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................... 10
7.0 SUPERVISORS’ OBJECTIVES .......................................................................... 10
8.0 SUBMISSION DATE ........................................................................................... 11
9.0 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE............................................................................. 11
10.0 PRESENTATION OF FINISHED WORK ................................................... 12
11.0 A WORD ON PLAGIARISM ....................................................................... 13
PART 2: STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL ....................................... 13
2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 13
2.2 The Research Proposal ....................................................................................... 14 i) INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 15
AREA OF STUDY .......................................................................................................... 15
BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................. 15
AIMS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ............................................................ 15
ii) RESEARCH QUESTION OR HYPOTHESIS OR RESEARCH PURPOSE ...... 15
iii) THE LITERATURE ............................................................................................. 16
iv) RESEARCH PLAN .............................................................................................. 16
Design – strategy and framework ................................................................................ 16
Sampling / Research Participants (when applicable) ................................................... 16
Method of data collection ............................................................................................ 16
v) STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS OF STUDY ............................................. 16
vi) ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................... 16
Before submitting the proposal: ....................................................................................... 17
1. REVIEW THE PROPOSAL ................................................................................. 17
Page 4
PART 3: SOME NOTES ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE FORMAT OF YOUR
DISSERTATION ............................................................................................................... 18
3.1 The Abstract ................................................................................................................. 18
3.2 Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 18
3.4 Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 18
3.5 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 19
3.6 Findings ......................................................................................................................... 19
3.7 Analysis & Discussion .................................................................................................. 20
3.8 Conclusions and Recommendations ........................................................................... 20
3.9 References ..................................................................................................................... 20
3.10 Appendices .................................................................................................................. 20
3.11 Some Variations depending on Dissertation Type: ................................................ 21
PART 4: SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................. 24
4.1 Presentation Layout ..................................................................................................... 24 Please refer to the Step-by-step guide to create a user friendly digitized dissertation
available on the University of Malta website in order to format the digitized copies of your
dissertation. ...................................................................................................................... 24
4.1.1 General Text............................................................................................................ 24
4.1.2 Headings ................................................................................................................. 24
4.1.3 Long Quotations...................................................................................................... 24
4.1.4 Tables, Figures etc. ................................................................................................. 25
4.2 Typing and Proof Reading .......................................................................................... 25
4.3 Binding .......................................................................................................................... 25
APPENDIX 1 CHECKLIST OF ITEMS IN DISSERTATION ................................... 26
APPENDIX 2 PROTOTYPE OF TITLE PAGE AND INTRODUCTORY PAGES . 27 Title ........................................................................ …………….……………. 27
Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 27
List of Tables ............................................................................................................... 28
List of Figures .............................................................................................................. 28
List of Appendices ....................................................................................................... 28
Page 5
APPENDIX 3 LIST OF SUPERVISORS ........................................................................ 29
APPENDIX 4: RELEVANT FORMS…………………………………………………...30
Page 6
List of Abbreviations
APA American Psychological Association
GRS Department of Gender and Sexualities
ECTS European Credit Transfer System
FSW Faculty for Social Wellbeing
UM University of Malta
UREC University Research Ethics Committee
FREC Faculty Research Ethics Committee
Page 7
List of Useful Links
APA Style Guide http://apastyle.apa.org/
Data Protection Act
XXVI of 2001, as
amended by Act XXXI of
2002
http://www.dataprotection.gov.mt/
Library guidelines on the
digitised format of
dissertations
https://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/404970/E
TDnotes20190701.pdf
UREC Guidelines and
Proposal form
FREC Guidelines
https://www.um.edu.mt/research/ethics
https://www.um.edu.mt/research/ethics/frecs/facultyforsocialw
ellbeing
Principles of procedure
on the supervision of
Masters’ Dissertations
and Doctoral Theses
http://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/104274/Pro
cedures_for_Supervision_of_Masters_Dis.pdf
Page 8
PART 1: GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A DISSERTATION
1.0 CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
1.1 Candidates are to refer to the curriculum requirements of their degree course as
published in the regulations and description of study units. These are reproduced
below:
Regulations 7 – 8 – Dissertation
7. (1) Students shall be required to submit an individual dissertation of
approximately 35,000 to 40,000 words in accordance with the guidelines issued by the
Board of Studies.
(2) Work on the dissertation may be undertaken at any time during the
Course after approval of the research proposal. Each student shall be assigned a
supervisor who shall provide guidance and advice on a regular basis during the period
of study.
(3) A provisional title and brief provisional proposal shall be submitted in the
required format at the beginning of the second semester. The proposed title for the
dissertation and a detailed research proposal outlining the proposed project and the
main questions to be addressed shall be submitted to the Board of Studies for approval
by not later than six weeks after the approval of the provisional proposal.
8. (1) The Board shall appoint a Panel of Supervision for each student, normally
composed of three members as follows: the Dean of the Faculty, or his/her delegate as
Chairperson, and two other members, one of whom being the principal supervisor,
provided that when the Dean of the Faculty is the supervisor, s/he shall not chair the
panel.
(2) The Panel of Supervision shall follow, as it deems fit, the progress
of students throughout the Course, provided that it meets at least twice a year to
review such progress.
(3) Students shall be required to report to their supervisors at least once
every two months, and in addition as often as the supervisor deems necessary.
(4) At the end of each semester of study, supervisors shall be required
to submit to the Panel of Supervision reports for the students under their supervision.
Students shall seek approval from said Panel for any substantial modification in the
title or content of the dissertation.
(5) The Panels of Supervision shall periodically inform the Board, in
writing, on the general performance of each student. Such reports may include a
recommendation to either (a) extend the period of study in order to enable the student
to complete the dissertation; or (b) terminate studies prematurely if the supervisor
deems this to be proper in the circumstances, provided that:
(i) the extension of the study period referred to in (a) shall be in accordance with the
provisions of the Principal Regulations; and
(ii) the Board may not terminate studies prematurely according to (b) until it has first
given the student a chance to be heard.
Page 9
1.2 A dissertation for the Master of Gender Studies is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.
2.0 PURPOSE
2.1 A dissertation consists of an investigation into a particular issue in gender/sexualities
studies. It will place qualitatively different demands on the student than those arising
from other study-units. It requires from the student a sustained effort to identify an area
of investigation, review the literature, analyse concepts, compare alternative theories
and perspectives, support arguments by empirical data when appropriate, weigh and
assess evidence and draw up the final conclusions on the subject.
2.2 This exercise provides the student with an opportunity to examine a selected area in
depth and to understand the relationship between theory, empirical research and/or
practice.
3.0 DISSERTATIONS’ PANEL
The panel shall:
a) approve the topic for the dissertation
b) recommend the appointment of a tutor to act as supervisor
c) propose assessors
All recommendations of the Dissertations Panel are subject to the endorsement of the
Faculty Board.
4.0 CHOICE OF TOPIC
4.1 The topic must relate to a significant substantive issue in gender and/or sexualities
studies.
4.2 Before making a choice of topic students are expected to seek advice from a tutor.
They may refer to the academic staff’s areas of research interest (Appendix 3).
4.3 The student is to first submit an Master of Gender Studies Dissertation Proposal
Form (see Appendix 4) with the proposed subject matter to be researched and a
preliminary research question and purpose, together with the suggested name of a tutor
who might be available to act as their supervisor (see the List of Supervisors in
Appendix 3 - if the student would like to propose a supervisor who is not listed in
Appendix 3, they should first discuss this with the Dissertation Coordinator).
4.4 Secondly, the student is to submit a written proposal, following the guidelines as
indicated in Part 2 of this booklet.
4.5 The Dissertation Panel may decide not accept a proposal on the grounds of insufficient
relevance to gender or unsatisfactory supervisory arrangements, amongst other reasons.
It may also request minor or substantial revisions.
Page 10
5.0 DATELINES
5.1 The form “Master of Gender Studies Dissertation Proposal Form” completed by
the student and endorsed by the proposed supervisor must be submitted by Friday 12th
February 2021.
5.2 Following approval by the Dissertations panel, students may submit the UREC
proposal form to FREC.
5.3 A draft proposal, including a working title, countersigned by the supervisor must be
submitted by Friday 12th
March 2021.
5.4 Feedback regarding draft proposal will be given to students by the Thursday 18th
March 2021.
5.5 Where necessary, feedback from the Dissertations Panel must be incorporated and re-
submitted for final approval.
6.0 SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS
6.1 The Dissertations Panel shall recommend the appointment of a supervisor for each
student whose topic has been approved.
6.2 The Dissertations Panel shall receive reports from supervisors and review individual
arrangements as necessary.
6.3 Supervisors are normally appointed from among members of the University staff.
Whenever necessary, the Dissertations Panel can appoint a person who is not a
University staff member to act as supervisor.
6.4 Students should arrange to meet their supervisor on a regular basis (face to face or via
online platforms). It is also advisable to start writing as soon as possible. Do not
worry if you feel that your material is not good enough, as almost all early material is
weak at the beginning. Starting to write at an early stage will enable your supervisor to
see what direction your work is taking, where your weaknesses are and give you
constructive advice and feedback.
6.5 A student may request the Dissertations Panel to review the supervision of his/her
dissertation in the light of developments. Such a request must be endorsed by the
supervisor unless it is a change of supervisor that is being requested.
7.0 SUPERVISORS’ OBJECTIVES
7.1 Supervisors shall guide and assist students in all the phases of the dissertation. The
supervisor shall tutor the student’s work and keep records of the student’s progress.
Records of meetings held between student and supervisor(s) shall be sent on a regular
Page 11
basis to the Dissertations Coordinator on the form provided (see appendix 4). The
student is expected to request appointments for meetings with the supervisor. Students
and supervisors are requested to refer to the Principles of procedure on the
supervision of Masters’ Dissertations and Doctoral Theses published by Senate
which must be adopted by supervisors when supervising Masters’ dissertations. These
can be downloaded from:
https://secure.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/104274/Procedures_for_Supervis
ion_of_Masters_Dis.pdf
In more specific terms, supervisors will be mostly involved as follows:
7.1.1 Proposal Stage
The supervisor shall:
- help the student to formulate the detailed research proposal;
- ensure that the research exercise is do-able in terms of the content, research
methodology and time frame available.
- guide the student in the process of selecting the appropriate type of dissertation for
the topic to be studied.
7.1.2 Research and Writing Stage
The supervisor shall advise and guide the student’s research and shall normally:
- provide regular meetings with the student (It is the student’s responsibility to seek
advice, make appointments and meet deadlines);
- help the student create time-frames and deadlines for the presentation of work done;
- recommend sources of literature related to the topic;
- correct submitted work and give feedback to the student in good time;
- inform the Dissertations Panel if any major difficulty occurs which might affect the
student’s ability to present the dissertation according to established procedures (e.g.
student’s problems of health, supervisor’s long-term leave of absence, etc.);
- ensure that the dissertation is presented in an organic fashion. The structure should be
explained at the beginning and sections should be labelled clearly and meaningfully;
- provide progress reports to the Dissertations Panel if and when requested.
7.2 Any student who is dissatisfied with the supervision provided or who wishes a change
of supervisor and/or topic should consult the Chair of the Dissertations’ Panel.
8.0 SUBMISSION DATE
8.1 Dissertations for the Master of Gender Studies must be submitted by end of February
2022 (date to be confirmed). No dissertation will be accepted after the set deadline.
9.0 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
9.1 A Board of Examiners for each student shall be appointed by Senate. The Head of the
Department or his/her delegate shall be appointed Chair of the Board of Examiners.
Page 12
9.2 The dissertation will be assessed by two examiners and an external examiner
nominated by the Faculty Board, on the advice of the Dissertations Coordinator and the
Head of Department of Gender and Sexualities. They will evaluate the work of the
student independently, write separate reports and propose a grade for consideration by
the Board of Examiners.
9.3 The Board of Examiners is responsible for awarding the assessment grade to each
dissertation so as to ensure comparability of standards.
9.4 The Board of Examiners may require students to defend their dissertation in a viva
voce.
9.5 In accordance with the University Assessment Regulations 2009 (Clause 21 (1))
“External Examiners, normally non-visiting, shall be appointed for the examination of
any postgraduate dissertation, to which 30 ECTS credits or more are assigned.”
10.0 PRESENTATION OF FINISHED WORK
10.1 All students must submit hard copies of their finished work (the number of hard
copies will be communicated to the student concerned, depending on the preference of
the examiners). These are to be submitted in a semi-permanent format (spiral binding).
A draft turnitin and a final turnitin will also be opened for submission.
10.1.1 All students must also submit 1 soft (PDF) copy of their dissertation to the
Departmental Administrator. Please follow the Library guidelines on the digitized
format of dissertations.
https://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/404970/ETDnotes20190701.pdf
10.1.2 Following the examination phase, students are to present two hard bound copies
(one to be kept by the Department and one to be given to the supervisor) and 1 soft
(PDF) copy to the Departmental Administrator (date to be confirmed), in line with the
guidelines provided by the Library of the University of Malta.
10.2 The supervisor will signify formally in writing that s/he knows that the student is
submitting the work for examination by the Board of Examiners.
10.3 Dissertations should have the following format:
10.3.1 Length: Dissertations should be 35,000 – 40,000 words long, excluding reference list
and statistical data or tables attached in appendices.
10.3.2 Referencing: The American Psychological Association (APA) style of
referencing must be followed. (Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association ®
, Seventh Edition, By American Psychological Association.
10.4 Failure to comply with these rules, regarding formatting and length may
result in a reduced grade and mark being awarded.
Page 13
11.0 A WORD ON PLAGIARISM
Students must acknowledge their sources, showing clearly which opinions and findings
are their own and which belong to others. When students present material as if it were
their own, without acknowledging their sources, they are plagiarising. The University
of Malta has mechanisms in place which will penalise plagiarism.
The University of Malta defines plagiarism as the unacknowledged use, as one's own,
of work of another person, whether or not such work has been published (University of
Malta, University Assessment Regulations, 2009, Clause 39, 1 (b) (i)).
Students should familiarise themselves with the relevant Regulations of the University
of Malta, namely:
University Assessment Regulations 2009
General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2008 These may be accessed through:
https://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/10831/Postgraduate_Harmonised_
Regulations.pdf
PART 2: STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
2.1 Introduction
There are generally two main types of dissertation for you to consider:
(a) a piece of empirical research, involving fieldwork;
(b) a literature/theoretical-based study.
Empirical research is normally expected to include a literature review, while any
literature/theoretical-based studies in gender studies would be expected to reflect a strong
basis in research evidence.
Fieldwork, in the form of, for example, interviews, questionnaire enquiries and methodical
observation is considered to be normally essential for dissertations at Masters level.
However, dissertation projects can also be accepted, subject to carefully seeking the advice
of academic staff, if they involve other types of clear scholarly work. This could be
secondary analysis of already available data, systematic reviews, or the methodical analysis
of documents, possibly involving the elucidation of social processes and/ or of experiences
through the application, testing or development of theory.
Dissertations can vary in their focus of study. Dissertations can emphasise the understanding
and analysis of an area of need, experience, action, or issue, others focus on interventions,
policies or good practices in response to the latter, others on the concepts and theoretical
frameworks that help us understand, others on the values, skills, development and training of
persons and organisations that act or intervene in the relevant areas. They may focus on the
micro-, meso- or macro-level, or a combination. They very often map landscapes, evaluate
situations, needs, interventions and policies, may look at past, present and/or future and are
as a rule expected to make recommendations for improving situations and/or further
Page 14
research, and possibly for the further development of theory. However, most dissertations are
a good combination of several of the above, applied to a particular issue or area.
The most suitable type of dissertation and the most appropriate methodology/ies to address
the research question should be discussed with the supervisor. The aim should be to choose a
type and topic that reflects and develops the student’s grasp of gender and/or sexualities
issues, is intellectually challenging yet feasible and through which the student makes a new
contribution to knowledge that is of a suitable level.
Completing a research proposal is a good start to setting out the conceptual framework of
your research. It is imperative that you write down a plan of how you conceptualise your
topic and the process by which you will research it, before you begin the research itself.
Having a clearly defined plan will save you much time and energy later.
Below is a common set of proposal headings which could be useful. You are encouraged to
use these guidelines; however there is room for variability in proposal format, to reflect
the variability in research approaches. These headings address the general expectations
one would have of proposals, but they are not necessarily the only sections or headings, nor
is their suggested order the only one that could be used.
2.2 THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The proposal is a master plan for the research study. The proposal should be extremely
focused and should help the Dissertations Panel understand the objectives, the research
question under study and the design, methodology and tools proposed for conducting the
research.
The following questions could be asked by the student, depending on the nature of the
study, to guide in the drafting of the proposal:
What is the provisional title for the dissertation?
What are the main issues in this area of research?
Which issue is of most relevance and concern to me as a researcher?
What is the main research question or hypothesis?
What do pertinent and relevant references state about the area of research?
How much is already known about this area of study?
Which methodology best fits the type of research?
What would be an appropriate sample, sampling method, and sample size?
What would be appropriate criteria for the sample participants, e.g. age range;
locality; ethnicity; etc.?
How will the data be collected and analysed?
What ethical issues need to be considered?
Who will need to be contacted to get permission and consent to carry out the study?
What documentation is needed for ethical considerations and permission to carry out
the research?
What is the timeframe of the study?
Page 15
RESEARCH PROPOSAL SECTION HEADINGS
i. Introduction including:
Area of study
Background
Aims and significance of the study
ii. Research question or research purpose or research hypothesis
iii. The literature
iv. Research plan
v. Limitations and strengths of the study
vi. Ethical considerations including:
Consent, access and protection of participants
vii. References
i) INTRODUCTION
AREA OF STUDY
This is a working title only and is to be based on the proposal that you are submitting. Please
note that a final title will only be requested at a later, more advanced stage of your work.
BACKGROUND
What do I want to study?
What knowledge do I have? – You should demonstrate the depth of your knowledge
about the research area and indicate that you have spent time reading around the issue.
What have I looked up?
Legislation/reform in Parliament?
Will it: address../ challenge../ test../ explore../ examine../ analyse../ compare../ discover../
propose../ create../ measure../ evaluate.. ?
How will it contribute to current understanding?
AIMS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Aims listed concisely and logically
Why am I proposing this study?
Why is it important at this point in time?
Who will directly benefit from my work?
Importance of work/excitement about results
ii) RESEARCH QUESTION OR HYPOTHESIS OR RESEARCH PURPOSE
Following a comprehensive review of research material related to your topic, you should
develop a definite research question/research hypothesis or research purpose that the
research study will attempt to answer. The research question/purpose or hypothesis is the
most important part of the proposal given that it determines the methodology that
should be applied and it is indicative of whether or not the proposed study is doable.
You should be able to present your research question/purpose in one concise statement.
Page 16
iii) THE LITERATURE
The review of the literature, at this point, should be extensive and should be attached to
the proposal as an appendix. This will demonstrate that you have read well and
extensively around the area of study chosen, and will also show that you are skilled in
presenting a concise and focused study of the literature. The review attached to the
proposal should be around 2,000 words in length. The supervisor will have read and seen
the Literature Review prior to submission. Please note that this is not the FULL literature
review that you should have in your dissertation. It can also be helpful for the headings of
proposed chapters to be included, together with a brief synopsis of what you intend to
include in each chapter.
iv) RESEARCH PLAN
Design – strategy and framework
What type? Literature type/investigative type/project type?
What method? Quantitative/qualitative/combination of approaches
Why is it the most satisfactory choice?
Brief description of methodology and research method
Outline of steps in research process
Sampling / Research Participants (when applicable)
Define population and sample / research participants
How will the sample /research participants be chosen? – what procedure will be
used/why is it the best procedure?
How is it relevant to the study aims?
How do I propose gaining access to the population group? Where possible please make
sure you have negotiated access to the respondents, prior to submitting your draft
proposal.
Method of data collection
Discuss chosen method of data collection
How will I gather the required information?
Interviews/surveys/observations/action research/secondary analysis/etc.
Method of data analysis
How will the data be analysed?
Quantitative proposals should indicate the statistical procedures proposed.
Qualitative proposals need to show how the data will be analysed.
v) STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
What are the limiting conditions or restrictive weaknesses of the study?
Unavoidable in the study design.
Nonetheless argue for the importance of the work.
How do I propose to minimise these limitations?
What are the strengths of the study?
vi) ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
How will I meet the ethical criteria for research?
Page 17
Autonomy/self determination (includes informed consent and confidentiality /
anonymity; the right to privacy; the right to withdraw from the process at any stage; the
right to refuse to answer questions at any time;)
Non-maleficence (not doing harm)
Beneficence (doing good)
Justice (are the purposes just?)
Positive contribution to knowledge
Before submitting the proposal:
REVIEW THE PROPOSAL
- stick to the word limit of 1,200 words
- make sure it is not repetitive
- be clear / comprehensive / succinct (concise, compact)
- check typing errors
- include a 2,000 word literature review, seen by supervisor, attached to proposal
- proposal to be signed by student and supervisor
Page 18
PART 3: SOME NOTES ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE FORMAT OF YOUR
DISSERTATION
Below is a typical outline of the format that a dissertation should have in its final
presentation. Obviously, consultation with your supervisor for more specific advice is
always recommended. This will also change according to the TYPE of dissertation you
are writing (see 3.11 below).
3.1 The Abstract
The abstract is written last and appears first! It is the brief summary, which heads your
dissertation. In about 350 – 500 words, you must summarise the aims of your study, the
design and methodology, and – importantly – the key results and findings.
It is imperative that the abstract be written in clear and concise terms, which motivate people
to read further. It should therefore answer the following questions:
What does this research set out to do and why?
How did it seek to do it?
What are the general findings?
What do these suggest?
What conclusions are reached?
What are the implications of these?
3.2 Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are an optional extra for your dissertation report. They usually appear at
the beginning of the dissertation, as a separate section after the abstract. They should thank
others for their contribution to the work and usually refer to your academic supervisor and
people who participated in the fieldwork, and other people who may have provided support
while you were working on your dissertation.
3.3 Introduction
Most of your work for this section you have already completed in your original research
proposal.
The tasks of this section are as follows:
Explain the context of your research
Show why it is important and how it is relevant to theory, practice, policy or social issues
Set out the broad aims of the study
Define the research questions and concepts
Demonstrate how and why you made the decisions you did
3.4 Literature Review
In a dissertation you are expected to provide a critical review of the existing literature
(published and unpublished) on the topic being studied. Describe your literature search. The
Page 19
literature reviewed is summarised and presented as an argument, which leads up to and
justifies the approach that you have taken.
You must demonstrate that you have read widely and understood the major debates in the
literature, the research approaches that have been tried, and the gaps that exist.
Divide the literature review into themes or issues that are related to the issue and questions in
your study, and use this structure to justify the approach you have taken. Be critical of what
you have read especially if you detect biases or flaws in other studies that influence the
results and/or conclusions.
The literature review should be relevant and up-to-date – recent literature is recommended
unless you are referring to classical works in your study.
3.5 Methodology
This is the second major section of your dissertation. Again, much of this has been
completed in your proposal. The different areas that need to be covered could be
distinguished by subheadings:
Epistemology – from what perspective/theory are you approaching the work? A feminist
approach, for example, can translate into various other complimentary approaches. You
also need to position yourself in relation to the epistemology chosen as well as the topic,
your stand towards the data and analysis.
Design – a summary/overview of how your methodology addresses the research
questions. Usually it begins broadly (qualitative/ quantitative) and then narrows down to
whom or what you are going to research and what kind of research techniques/methods
you will use. Justify your use of this design/tools.
Population and sample/research participants – Report who the population is that you are
researching, how you drew the sample (here acknowledge any limitations in the sampling
process) and so on.
Instrumentation – Describe the questionnaire or interview schedule that you used (this
also needs to be included as an appendix). Describe how you developed the instrument.
Data collection – Describe how the data were collected, including how you negotiated
access, where you collected it from, how long it took and any difficulties you had in
doing this and how you overcame them.
Ethical issues, limitations and strengths of methodology and method – include a brief
description of any ethical issues you anticipated in the research process and how you
dealt with this aspect.
Data analysis – how did you analyse your data? Provide the reader with a “map” of how
to read the results you are about to present, and an explanation of how you arrived at
them.
3.6 Findings
Think of subheadings which relate to the major themes in your findings.
Present a description of the people or institutions in the research (the sample)
Page 20
You do not have to include all your results when you report your findings
Extract the findings that directly focus on the relevant issue
Either explain your findings simply in words, or if necessary use tables
Report your findings with little comment (this is left for the “Discussion” section)
Arrange your findings in a sequence, using logic or the order of the interview questions
so that the results tell a story.
3.7 Analysis and Discussion
This is the section where results are summarised, explained and interpreted.
Conduct the discussion in the light of the issues identified in the literature search
Highlight the contribution of your own results to these debates
Try to explain any differences between your findings and others you read about/ discuss
similarities
Make sure your discussion and interpretation are supported by evidence from your
research
Discuss implications of findings for current practice, policy and/or theory
Discuss limitations and suggestions for further research
3.8 Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions must refocus the issue
They must be justified in the light of your research design and the limitations of your
study
They must remind the reader about directions for future research
Follow this with a list of recommendations
Recommendations may be about practice issues, policy matters, changes to existing
legislation, etc.
3.9 References
Include an alphabetical list of the references, books, articles and other sources of
information that you cited in the dissertation
Consistency and attention to detail is very important
Use the APA system of referencing
Every source that you cite in your dissertation must be accurately referenced in this
section
3.10 Appendices
These are additional sections that may include:
FREC/UREC approval
The original questionnaire or interview schedule
Copies of letters
Details about sampling and other procedural matters
Page 21
Extra data which assist in the argument about the research
3.11 Some variations depending on dissertation type:
1. Literature based study
Chapter Standard components
1. Introduction Purpose of research
Significance of research and what has led you to choose
this subject
Research question
Description of the dissertation’s structure
2. Context Presentation of the theoretical framework
An account of context related to the research. This may
include an account of the historical/socio-political/cultural
context or biographical details
3. Major contribution Outline and discussion of major concepts/issues raised
through the research question
4. Application to the context Exploration of major concepts/issues in particular contexts
Discussion of implementation of suggested strategies
5. Conclusions Summary of key issues, arguments and suggestions
Limitations
Conclusions
References List of all documents and sources referred to in the main
text
Page 22
2. Investigative style
Chapter Standard components
1. Introduction Purpose of research
Statement of the research issues
2. Literature Review Compiling current academic research
Primary and secondary sources indicated clearly
Building a research argument for the study
Statement of the research questions
3. Methodology Choice of methodology supported by literature
Method (qualitative and/or qualitative)
Research design
Sample
Research tools
Collection of data
System of analysis
Limitations of the study
Ethical issues
4. Results Comprehensive presentation of findings
Text supported by clear and accurate graphical/tabular
representations where applicable
5. Discussion Results analysed in the light of existing literature
Realistic and insightful interpretation of results
6. Conclusions Summary of key results
Limitations
Linked and feasible recommendations (including
recommendations for further study)
References List of all documents and sources referred to in the main
text
3. Designing of Programmes
Chapter Standard components
1. Introduction Purpose of project being proposed
Statement of value of project
2. Literature Review Address the topic of the project and the relevant gender
issues
Critically review of current academic research and any
similar projects
Ensure that synthesis is linked with project design
3. Production Analysis of current resources
Design (including description/results of any form of needs
assessment or analysis…when planning a programme)
Implementation
Application to the field of gender studies
4. Trialing and Testing Methodology
Sample
Outcome of trials
Page 23
6. Conclusions Summary of key results
Limitations
Linked and feasible recommendations (including
recommendations for further study)
References List of all documents and sources referred to in the main
text
Page 24
PART 4: SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
4.1 Presentation Layout
Please refer to the Step-by-step guide to create a user friendly digitized dissertation
available on the University of Malta website in order to format the digitized copies of your
dissertation:
https://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/404970/ETDnotes20190701.pdf
4.1.1 General Text
Text should be well spaced using one side of the page only
1.5 line spacing should be used
Font should be Times New Roman
Print size 12
Margins at least – 4.0 cm on the left margin
1.5 cm on the right margin
3.0 cm on the top margin
2.5 cm on the bottom margin
Page numbers Centred at the bottom of the page
Roman numbers (i, ii…) to be used from the first page
(excluding title page) until the main body of the text where the
Introduction starts on page 1
Justified Both left and right
Paragraphs No indentation
Start new paragraph after two returns
In-text emphasis – use italics or bold type-face
4.1.2 Headings
Print size 14
Bold type-face
Main headings in block capitals
Chapter headings on a NEW page (centred or on the left)
All other headings justified and followed by a single line space
Use subheadings to give structure to your work
4.1.3 Long Quotations
Single line spacing
Indented left and right
Justified left and right
Must include author name, date and page number referring to the parent text
Must be preceded and followed by a line space
Page 25
4.1.4 Tables, figures etc.
Must be numbered
Must have a title and key underneath
4.2 Typing and proof reading
Always proofread your copies for good grammar and presentation before handing in your
work to your supervisor. Special attention should be given to the final presentation of your
dissertation.
Use software that can facilitate your work.
Be prepared for the unexpected such as loss or corruption of hardware or software and
printer failure. Therefore use back up and always keep updated hard copies of your work.
Do not leave work until the last minute!!
4.3 Binding
The hardbound copy should have a black cover with gold lettering. It is your responsibility
to organise the binding and making sure copies are ready before the submission date.
Page 26
Appendix 1 Checklist of Items in Dissertation
1. Outside cover page
2. Inside cover page
3. Acknowledgements
4. Table of Contents
5. Listing of Tables and Figures
6. Abstract
7. Introduction (include research rationale, and research questions)
8. Literature Review*
9. Methodology*
10. Findings*
11. Analysis and Discussion*
12. Conclusions and Recommendations
13. References
14. Appendices
*Change according to dissertation type or as discussed with supervisor.
N.B. A student Declaration form is to be filled in and submitted separately to the
Department Administrator, as per memo issued by the Registrar (dated 21 February
2020), the declaration form should NOT be included in your dissertation. The
declaration form should be signed and submitted to the FICS separately.
The form can be found here:
https://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/254320/authenticityformpg.pdf
Page 27
Appendix 2 Prototype of Title Page and Introductory Pages
Title
(Subtitle)
Student’s Name
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the
Master of Gender Studies
Department of Gender and Sexualities
Faculty for Social Wellbeing
University Of Malta
February 2021
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
Page 28
Use Computer software programmes to set up your Table of Contents neatly, clearly and
more efficiently (use the library’s guidelines for digitized dissertations)
List of Tables
Table 1 (Title) pg
Table 2 (Title) pg
List of Figures
Figure 1 (Title) pg
Figure 2 (Title) pg
List of Appendices
Appendix 1 (Title) pg
Appendix 2 (Title) pg
.
Page 29
Appendix 3 List of Supervisors
Students are encouraged to choose a supervisor/co-supervisor from the list below. In the
eventuality of these persons not being further available for supervision or of a research topic
which is not covered by any person on this list, students may recommend another suitably
qualified person to act as supervisor/co-supervisor. This should be discussed with the
Dissertation Coordinator.
1. Dr JosAnn Cutajar - Poverty, social inequality, and social exclusion; Gender and the
labour market, gender pay gap and pensions; gender mainstreaming; work life balance
policy; surrogacy; women, politics and decision making
2. Dr Marceline Naudi – LGBTIQ issues generally; violence against women/ gender
based violence/ domestic violence; looksism; ageing; gender in social work and social
care; surrogacy; and others
3. Prof Brenda Murphy - Media & Gender - portrayal, representation and politic
(identities, gendered bodies, symbolic violence, cyber cultures, online hate, male gaze,
activism etc); Mediated Identities and Performances of Consumption (national,
gender, ethnic etc.); Masculinities; and Gender Equality & Gender Mainstreaming.
4. Dr Anne-Marie Callus – people with intellectual disability (especially but not
exclusively self-advocacy and empowerment) and cultural representations of disabled
people – gender issues within these (co-supervisor from GRS).
5. Dr Joanne Cassar – sexualities, sexuality education, sexual identity; teenage
pregnancy; body image; gender
6. Dr Sue Vella - gender and long-term care; women, work and social security; housing
and lone parents; women and voluntary sector leadership.
7. Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino - the intersection of gender and power, particularly as this
unfolds, and is/may be contested, in the sphere of work, industrial relations and
organizational life.
8. Dr Josette Farrugia - education with special reference to science education, gender
differences related to students' attitudes (to science), perceptions, performance,
choices.
9. Dr Maria Pisani – gender in relation to migration, asylum, race and ethnicity.
10. Prof Janet Mifsud – Gender and health related issues such as access to health care,
provision of medicines; Gender aspects in science and research; Role of gender in
voluntary organisations
11. Dr Gillian Martin - the body, medical sociology as related to gender (not available
academic year 2020/21)
12. Dr Angele Deguara – LGBTIQ issues, gender and work, gender/sexuality and religion,
gender and poverty.
13. Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane - Disability and Intersections with: Women/ Sexuality/
Abuse/ Sexual Health/ LGBTIQ
14. Dr Andrea Dibben - Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR); teenage
pregnancy and motherhood; empowered mothering; feminist movement in Malta;
gender in social policy.
15. Dr Gisella Orsini - Gender and health, eating disorders, gender and the body.
Page 30
Record of Supervision Session
Research Student: signature __________________
Supervisor: _ _______signature __________________
Date of Supervision: __
1. What has been achieved since the last tutorial?
2. Summary of comments on work since last tutorial
3. What will be done by the student before the next tutorial?
4. What will be done by the supervisor?
Date of next tutorial:
One copy of this document will be kept by the supervisor and one by the research student.
Appendix 4: Relevant Forms
Page 31
Master of Gender Studies Dissertation Proposal Form
Date Course Years Stream Day Month Year
F/T P/T
Student’s Particulars Name (block letters) ID
Address Tel
Signature
Mob
Proposed Supervisor’s Particulars Name (block letters) Tel
Experience In Masters Dissertation Supervision
YES NO
Mob
Signature
Address (for Administrative Purposes)
FOR OFFICIAL USE
Your initial dissertation proposal:
Has been accepted Has been rejected Is to be amended as
remarked
Additional Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Dissertations Coordinator
Date:
Page 32
Proposed Research Purpose/Question
Not more than 15 words
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
Description of Research Methods to be applied Tick one or more of the following:
Interviews Approx. sample size
Brief Description
Case Studies Approx. sample size
Questionnaires Approx. sample size
Standardised Tests Approx. sample size
Secondary Analysis
Systematic Reviews
Methodical analysis
of documents
Others (please specify)
Describe the theoretical framework/position/s, and cite some key publications, you are likely
to use
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
Keywords Write 3 – 6 words related to the content of the proposed dissertation:
1 2 3
4 5 6
Page 33