The Dissertation is the final step of the MSc in which you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired over the course of the academic year to develop a line of research that matches your interests.

Possible topics for the Dissertation include scientific research in any of the subjects being taught on the MSc, that are either on-going or de novo. This can include Island Biodiversity Conservation Projects, Island Biodiversity data collection and analysis, literature reviews, etc.

The election of the MSc Dissertation topic and supervisor(s) should be the result of an agreement between student and supervisor. The research project will be defended through a non-public viva examination. The criteria for the MSc Dissertation evaluation will be clearly stated in the MSc handbook, and they will include at least the following items:

  • The originality of the research

  • The degree of difficulty of the field-work and lab-work carried out

  • The robustness of the methodological approach

  • The quality of the written dissertation

  • The quality of the oral presentation

  • The arguments used in its defence

 

Developing your research interests

Over the course of the academic year, you will be encourage to develop a line of research that match your own interests and career options. This includes furthering your understanding of the material delivered in one of the eight modules, pursing a literature based dissertation or modelling a new project. The JICAS team will do everything to help you successfully complete the dissertation. 

Supervision 

Dissertation supervision is a key aspect of completing the module. A consortium of work-class academics working in three continents will be on hand to help with your research project. Options include conducting research in Jersey or other Channel Islands, Hawaii, Greece, the UK and beyond. 

VIva

The viva is a key component of the programme and will consist of a one-day symposium where all students will carry out an oral presentation of their MSc dissertation. This event will be streamed live on-line, and videos will be uploaded to the JICAS website.