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ARCV40200

Academic Year 2026/2027

Dissertation (ARCV40200)

Subject:
Archivistics
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
History
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Elizabeth Mullins
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 5
Spring 5
Summer 20
Trimester:
Year-long (12 months)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The ability to understand and carry out archival research is an important element of the work of the professional archivist. This module explores the history of research in the discipline, provides an overview of different ways of conducting research and addresses the ethical implication of research practice. It demonstrates the value of research skills not just to contribute to the profession in terms of writing publications but also in the everyday work of the archivist where these skills can be used in a more applied way in the workplace, such as to conduct interviews and to gather survey data. The module consists of a number of seminars at intervals throughout the two teaching semesters which support the development of student dissertation projects. These seminars introduce the development of a culture of research in archivistics; they cover areas such as gathering literature, designing research, research ethics, data collection and analysis. They also include talks from former Masters and Doctoral students about carrying out research in archives and record keeping.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate familiarity with contemporary archival research trends and literature.
Demonstrate an understanding of research design by the formulation of a valid research question and the selection of approrpriate research methods to investigate this.
Appreciate the significance of ethics in the context of carrying out research.
Gather research data in line with the method selected and attempt a critical analysis of this.
Present a professional piece of research.

Indicative Module Content:

This module consists of a number of research seminars at roughly three week intervals spread over the course of the two teaching semesters. The following areas are covered.
Seminar 1: Introduction to archival research
Seminar 2: Thinking about research design
Seminar 3: Research Methods
Seminar 4: Research Methods
Seminar 5: Conducting Ethical Research - Dissertation research in practice
Seminar 6: Analysing Data
Seminar 7-9: Research in Practice
Seminar 10: Next steps: Preparing for the Dissertation
Research seminars are supported by meetings with staff throughout the year to faciliate the development of thesis topics.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Proficient

Critical Thinking

The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Systems Thinking

The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Proficient

Strategic

The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Proficient

Integrated Problem Solving

The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Proficient

Self-awareness

The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Proficient

Normative

The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Proficient

Anticipatory

The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Competent

Digital Literacy and Judgement

The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Proficient

AI Literacy & Agency

The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Competent

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Proficient

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

577

Small Group

8

Seminar (or Webinar)

15

Total

600


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The taught components of this module use case studies, presentations and visits by guest speakers to support student learning. While there will be discussion in this module of the ways that archival research is responding to the development of generative AI, generative AI may not be used in the assessment for the module. If you have any concerns about what is included in the remit of generative AI, please consult with your Module Coordinator.
Dissertations are graded by two internal examiners, one of whom is the thesis supervisor. A selection of dissertations are moderated by the extern examiner.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Dissertation (Archives) (HIS40200)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Thesis/Dissertation: Students complete a 12,500 word thesis in the field of archives and records management. Week 10 Summer Graded Yes
100
Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are given a combination of oral and or written feedback by supervisors on thesis proposals, ethics applications and draft chapters. Students also meet supervisors for one to one meetings either in person or online during the course of the dissertation process from the proposal to final draft stage. Final grades are communicated by supervisors to students in written form along with individual feedback via Brightspace. Students can avail of an individual feedback meeting on request after the thesis has been graded.

Name Role
Dr Julie Brooks Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jamie Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Year Long (12 months - Sep) Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 9 Thurs 10:00 - 11:50
Year Long (12 months - Sep) Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 2 Thurs 10:00 - 11:50
Year Long (12 months - Sep) Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 11:50
Year Long (12 months - Sep) Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 7 Thurs 10:00 - 11:50
Year Long (12 months - Sep) Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 11:50