DESN5270M MA FES Final Major Project
Hello, dear friend, you can consult us at any time if you have any questions, add WeChat: daixieit
Assessment brief
|
1. Module title |
DESN5270M MA FES Final Major Project |
|
2. Module level |
7 |
|
4. Assignment type and description |
You can select from 3 types of written outputs: dissertation, business/project proposal, or academic journal manuscript. |
|
5. Rationale |
This assessment is a culmination of learning from semesters 1 and 2, where you develop subject-specific expertise, building on the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the programme. This assessment helps you develop an in-depth understanding of the research process, including research skills, critical thinking, academic integrity, and ethics. Choosing from 3 different types of written outputs allows you to play to your strengths and select what is most relevant to your career ambitions. The assessment relates to Learning Outcomes 1-5. |
|
6. Word limit and guidance |
Guidance for Outputs Please look carefully at the examples of Dissertations, Business/Project Proposals and Academic Journal Manuscripts on Minerva before you choose your option. These will be discussed in detail in your lectures and seminars. Dissertation - Approx. 12,000 words Business/Project proposal - Approx. 8000 words plus high visual content Academic Journal Manuscript - Approx. 8000 words plus 3000 word supplementary report Recommended Structure A.) Dissertation Dissertation – Approx. 12,000 words (minimum 10,800 to maximum 13,200 words), The dissertation needs to include: Abstract – A short 300 word synopsis of the research Introduction - To include aims and objectives of the research Literature Review - The literature review provides relevant context and understanding which relates to your research theme. Show evidence of the depth of secondary research through reading undertaken and the understanding that you have developed of the range of issues that may influence your topic. Methodology - The methodology should detail the primary research approach that you took in order to meet your research aims/objectives. Results - Remind the reader of your aims/objectives.What are your results? Your key findings? Discussion - Demonstrate your analysis and interpretation of your results. Remember to link back to your literature review to help you interpret and contextualise your findings within existing knowledge. Conclusion - Draw your dissertation to a conclusion, summarising your main insights and findings. References B.) Business/Project Proposal Business/Project Proposal – Approx. 8000 words + visuals (including visual research, concept development and final concept) (minimum 7,200 to maximum 8,800 words) Abstract – A short 300 word synopsis of the business/project proposal Introduction - To include aims and objectives of the business/project proposal Literature Review - The literature review provides relevant context and understanding which relates to you’re the background of your business/project proposal. Show evidence of the depth of secondary research through reading undertaken and the understanding that you have developed of the range of issues that may influence your topic. Methodology - The methodology should detail the primary research approach that you took in order to meet your business/project proposal aims and objectives. Findings – · Project Plan • Results from primary methodologies • SWOT analysis and PEST analysis • Design and product development • Business case study • Marketing and promotion Conclusion - Draw your project to a conclusion, summarising your main insights and findings. References C.) Academic Journal Manuscript Academic Journal Manuscript – Approx. 8,000 words + 3,000 words supporting report (Manuscript: minimum 7,200 to maximum 8,800 words + Report: minimum 2,700 to maximum 3,300 words). 3000 word supplementary report. The manuscript and report need to be referenced using Leeds Harvard Referencing. You would need to discuss the style guide of the journal you select in your report and the relevant reference style of that journal. If you decide to submit your paper to be reviewed by the journal after assessment you would need to revise your manuscript to adhere to the style guide and reference style of your selected journal. Manuscript – Please read selected manuscripts published by your selected journal for information. An academic journal manuscript would consist of the below. Abstract – A short 300 word synopsis of the research Introduction - To include aims and objectives of the research Literature Review - The literature review provides relevant context and understanding which relates to your research theme. Show evidence of the depth of secondary research through reading undertaken and the understanding that you have developed of the range of issues that may influence your topic. Methodology - The methodology should detail the primary research approach that you took in order to meet your research aims/objectives. Results - Remind the reader of your aims/objectives.What are your results? Your key findings? Discussion - Demonstrate your analysis and interpretation of your results. Remember to link back to your literature review to help you interpret and contextualise your findings within existing knowledge. Conclusion - Draw your manuscript to a conclusion, summarising your main insights and findings. References Report – 3000 words. Your supplementary report should consist of the following - Analysis of the aims and scope of the selected journal and why you think it would be an appropriate journal to publish your manuscript. A discussion related to the journal editor and their background and the editorial board of the journal. Analysis and discussion of the style guide and reference style of the selected journal. A brief critique of one manuscript published by the selected journal. There is one submission area on Minerva for your final major project. Please submit your projects as a pdf through Turnitin For the journal manuscript please place your 3000 word report after your journal manuscript in one document. |
The different output options allow you to play to your strengths and choose an approach, which is relevant for your career goals.
For instance, you may wish to choose a traditional dissertation output if you enjoy academic writing but are unsure which career path to pursue following graduation, providing you with the option to continue study at University, or a career in industry.
A business/project proposal may be of interest to you if you excelled in the creative and/or entrepreneurial aspects of this programme. This option is most suited to those looking to pursue a career in industry or setting up their own business. This submission will include a business plan and your own visuals to communicate your project proposal.
If you are wishing to continue studying at postgraduate level and/or have aspirations for a career in academia, having experience with writing a journal manuscript will put you in an advantageous position. The supporting report will include a justification of your choice of journal (agreed with by your supervisor), specific considerations for the chosen journal (e.g. referencing format) and a reflection on the originality of your research.
Use of GenAI
You may only use GenAI if you are pursuing output option B: business/project proposal. Please agree the suitability of using GenAI for your project with your supervisor. For any images created using GenAI, you must declare the platform/tool you use and the prompts you entered.
Supplementary guidance
For Option B: Academic Journal Manuscript – Please note that we do not require you to submit your work to a journal as part of this assessment. However, if your supervisor agrees, you may wish to continue developing the manuscript after the submission deadline together with them, to submit the manuscript to an agreed journal. In this case, you would be co-authoring the manuscript with your supervisor and naming them as a co-author.
General guidance
We expect professional practice in your interactions with your supervisor. Please let them know if you are unable to attend a tutorial and be proactive in communicating with them if you encounter any issues. Make the best use of your last term at Leeds by engaging with supervision meetings, your peers and independently access support available at the library.
Presentation and referencing
Clarity of communication is important for this assignment: however, marks are not deducted for spelling, grammatical or structural errors unless they make the text unclear.
You should use the Leeds Harvard referencing style. See Leeds Harvard referencing examples for guidance.
When using images, present a list of images separately from the list of references. See Leeds Harvard image referencing examples. You are advised to label the images using the “caption” tool in Word and then generate a list of images from your captions as shown here: Insert a table of figures - Microsoft Support
2025-07-25