When students have completed the thesis, candidates will have designed a research project, organised and managed a work programme efficiently, carried out a comprehensive review of scientific literature, described and applied the required scientific methods, undertaken data analyses (where appropriate) and written a scientific report (thesis). They should have acquired a good degree of proficiency in the following skills: - academic writing; analytical writing; management of time and how to work to deadlines; recognition, selection and use of relevant research tools and/or facilities; ability to draw up a thorough, precise and informative Bibliography; show good knowledge of how to retrieve or discover necessary information; be able to sift through, question and analyse evidence; be able to be self-critical and reflective, know how to self-correct; be able to listen to and act upon the criticism/advice of others; and understand how to present evidence and to write clearly. The students will also present a review of their chosen topic and detail their experience/results to an academic and industry audience.

The objective is to give students a rigorous training in the planning, execution and write-up of a research project. All candidates are required to submit a Minor Thesis Dissertation (12,000-15,000 words). The topic is chosen by the candidate in consultation with academic staff in the School. It is normally on an area of research related to the courses followed as part of the MSc Horticulture programme. It must show evidence of independent work and some originality in its approach to the topic. The minor thesis will either focus on a clearly delineated field of study or it may incorporate a wider area while restricting its main emphasis to one primary aspect of the topic. Examples of approaches that may be taken are: A minor thesis may look closely at an original research theme that is clearly demarcated; it may illustrate a familiar theory in an original way by using fresh material, or suggest an original synthesis of familiar readings of a text or theoretical approach. The research may be laboratory, greenhouse, field based or a desk study

Not applicable to this module.

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

Students will engage with their academic supervisor and will receive on-going feedback throughout the assignment phase and during the preparation of their thesis document.