University of Malta
Faculty for Social Wellbeing
Department of Gender Studies
DISSERTATION GUIDELINES
Master of Gender Studies
2014- 2017
Page 1
Introduction
M,
Students may contact the Dissertations Coordinator, Dr Marceline Naudi on
marceline.naudi@um.edu.mt for any clarifications or help they might need throughout the
whole process.
February 2015
Page 2
CONTENTS PAGE
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 2
CONTENTS PAGE ............................................................................................................. 3
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 .......................................................................... 11
8.0 SUBMISSION DATE ........................................................................................... 12
9.0 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE............................................................................. 12
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 ............................................................ 16
ii)
RESEARCH QUESTION OR HYPOTHESIS OR RESEARCH PURPOSE ...... 16
iii) THE LITERATURE ............................................................................................. 16
iv)
RESEARCH PLAN .............................................................................................. 16
Design – strategy and framework ................................................................................ 16
Sampling / Research Participants (when applicable) ................................................... 16
Method of data collection ............................................................................................ 17
v)
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS OF STUDY ............................................. 17
vi)
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................... 17
Before submitting the proposal: ....................................................................................... 17
1.
REVIEW THE PROPOSAL ................................................................................. 17
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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: ................................................ 20
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
PART 5
SOURCES FOR FURTHER READING ................................................... 25
APPENDIX 1 CHECKLIST OF ITEMS IN DISSERTATION ................................... 26
APPENDIX 2 PROTOTYPE OF TITLE PAGE AND INTRODUCTORY PAGES . 27
Title .................................................................................................... …………..27
Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 28
List of Tables ............................................................................................................... 28
List of Figures .............................................................................................................. 28
Page 4
List of Appendices ....................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX 3 AREAS OF STUDY PROPOSED BY VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS
IN THE GENDER FIELD ................................................................................................ 29
APPENDIX 4 LIST OF SUPERVISORS ........................................................................ 30
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List of Abbreviations
APA American Psychological Association
GDS Department of Gender Studies
ECTS European Credit Transfer System
FSW Faculty for Social Wellbeing
UoM University of Malta
UREC University Research Ethics Committee
FREC Faculty Research Ethics Committee
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List of Useful Links
APA Style Guide
http://apastyle.apa.org/
Data Protection Act
http://www.dataprotection.gov.mt/
XXVI of 2001, as
amended by Act XXXI of
2002
Library guidelines on the http://www.um.edu.mt/library/helpandsupport/guidesandtour
digitised format of
dissertations
UREC Guidelines and
Proposal form
http://www.um.edu.mt/urec/gpropform
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
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PART 1: GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A DISSERTATION
1.0
1.1
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
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 for the dissertation and a provisional
research proposal of approximately 300 words shall be submitted
at the time of application. The 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 the end of the first semester.
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 Chairman, 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
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(ii) the Board may not terminate studies prematurely according to
(b) until it has first given the student a chance to be heard.
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 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 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 4) and
may also consult Appendix 3 which provides lists of topics from various stakeholders
in the gender sector.
4.3 The student is to first submit an Master of Gender Studies Dissertation Proposal
Form 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 4. If the
student would like to propose a supervisor who is not listed in Appendix 4, they
should first discuss this with the Dissertation Coordinator).
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4.4
The student is to submit a written proposal, following the guidelines as indicated in
Part 2 of this booklet. Together with this, the student is to submit a copy of the
University Research Ethics Committee form in line with UREC’s guidelines.
4.5
The Dissertation Panel may 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.
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 Thursday
30th April 2015.
5.2
A draft proposal countersigned by the supervisor must be submitted by Thursday
30th July 2015. Together with this, students are to submit a DRAFT copy of the
UREC proposal form (which will be submitted after title and proposal have
been approved in November). This form will need to go through the FREC and
once vetted, to UREC.
5.3
Feedback regarding draft proposal will be given to students by the Thursday 17th
September 2015.
5.4 The Gender Studies Dissertations Panel will be organising a seminar in mid-October
2015 (date to be confirmed) for supervisors and students in which each student will
deliver a ten minute presentation on their draft proposal and discuss it with the other
supervisors and students.
5.5 Feedback from the Dissertations Panel and the seminar must be incorporated and
submitted for final approval.
5.6
All students will be required to register their working title and final proposal by
Thursday 12th November 2015. This must be signed and approved by the
supervisor.
5.7
Following the final approval by the Dissertations Panel, students should submit the
UREC proposal form to FREC.
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.
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6.3
6.4
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.
Students should arrange to meet their supervisor on a regular basis (face to face or
via skype etc). 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
basis to the Dissertations Coordinator on the form provided. 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_Supervisi
on_of_Masters_Dis.pdf
In more particular 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;
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-
-
-
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 April
2017 (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.
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 Studies. 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 4 copies of their finished work. 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 2 soft copies of their dissertation on CDs, in
appropriate format, and clearly marked with name of student, year of submission, and
title of dissertation. Please follow the Library guidelines on the digitized format of
dissertations. http://www.um.edu.mt/library/helpandsupport/guidesandtour.
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10.1.2 Following the examination phase, students are to present two hard bound copy
(one to be kept by the Department and one to be given to the supervisor) and two
copies of the dissertation on CD in ‘a read-only’ version to the Department by midJuly 2017 (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 references
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 ®, Sixth Edition, By American Psychological Association, July 2009).
10.4 Failure to comply with these rules, regarding formatting and length may
result in a reduced grade and mark being awarded.
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:
http://www.um.edu.mt/registrar/regulations/general
PART 2: STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
2.1
Introduction
There are generally two main types of dissertation for you to consider:
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(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 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 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.
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The following questions could be asked by the student, depending on the nature of the
study, to guide in the drafting of the proposal:

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





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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 an appropriate age range of participants?
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?

RESEARCH PROPOSAL SECTION HEADINGS
i.
vii.
Introduction including:
Area of study
Background
Aims and significance of the study
Research question or research purpose or research hypothesis
The literature
Research plan
Limitations and strengths of the study
Ethical considerations including:
Consent, access and participants’ protection
References
i)
INTRODUCTION
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
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.
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



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.
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?
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
How do I propose gaining access to the population group? Make sure you have
negotiated access to the respondents, prior to submitting your draft proposal
(details will be explained during meeting).
Method of data collection
 Discuss chosen method of data collection
 How will I gather the required information?
Interviews/surveys/observations/secondary analysis/content analysis
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.

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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?
Autonomy/self determination (includes informed consent and confidentiality; 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:
1. 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
2. CAREFULLY FILL IN AND ATTACH THE UREC FORM
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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. The literature search is
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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:
 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 you
will use.
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 – 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
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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)
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)
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 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 or Harvard 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:
 The original questionnaire or interview schedule
 Copies of letters
 Details about sampling and other procedural matters
 Extra data which assist in the argument about the research
3.11 Some variations depending on dissertation type:
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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
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2. Investigative style
Chapter
Standard components
1. Introduction
Purpose of research
Statement of the research issues
Compiling current academic research
Primary and secondary sources indicated clearly
Building a research argument for the study
Statement of the research questions
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
Comprehensive presentation of findings
Text supported by clear and accurate graphical/tabular
representations where applicable
Results analysed in the light of existing literature
Realistic and insightful interpretation of results
Summary of key results
Limitations
Linked and feasible recommendations (including
recommendations for further study)
List of all documents and sources referred to in the main
text
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Results
5. Discussion
6. Conclusions
References
3. Designing of Programmes
Chapter
Standard components
1. Introduction
Purpose of project being proposed
Statement of value of project
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
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
Methodology
Sample
Outcome of trials
2. Literature Review
3. Production
4. Trialing and Testing
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6. Conclusions
References
Summary of key results
Limitations
Linked and feasible recommendations (including
recommendations for further study)
List of all documents and sources referred to in the main
text
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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.
4.1.1 General Text
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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
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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 together with a numbering system to give structure to your work
4.1.3 Long Quotations
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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
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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 made to the final presentation of your
dissertation.
Use software that can facilitate your work.
Be prepared for the unexpected such as disk failure, loss or corruption of hardware or
software and printer failure. Therefore use back up CDs or pendrives 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.
PART 5
SOURCES FOR FURTHER READING
Boden, R., Kenway, J. and Epstein, D. (2007). Getting Started on Research. London: Sage.
Creswell, J.W. (2012). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. Thousand Oaks, CA:Sage
Herbert, Martin (1997). Planning a Research Project
Graff, G. and C. Birkenstein, 2014, They Say, I Say, The Moves That Matter in Academic
Writing, Norton and Co: New York and London
Punch, Keith, F., (2005). Developing Effective Research Proposals Sage Publications
Weston, A. 2009, A Rulebook for Arguments, Hackett Publishing Company,
Indianapolis/Cambridge
Also consult references provided during the Research Methods in Gender Studies studyunit.
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Appendix 1
Checklist of Items in Dissertation
1.
Outside cover page
2.
Inside cover page
3.
Disclaimer
4.
Acknowledgements
5.
Table of Contents
6.
Listing of Tables and Figures
7.
Abstract
8.
Introduction (include research rationale, and research questions)
9.
Literature Review*
10.
Methodology*
11.
Findings*
12.
Analysis and Discussion*
13.
Conclusions and Recommendations
14.
References
15.
Appendices
*Change according to dissertation type or as discussed with supervisor.
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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 Studies
Faculty for Social Wellbeing
University Of Malta
May 2015
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Disclaimer
This is a statement to confirm that this dissertation 'Title' is solely the work of [student's
name].
Student's Signature:
____________
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
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
Appendix 1
(Title)
pg
Appendix 2
(Title)
pg
List of Appendices
.
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Appendix 3 Research topics proposed by various stakeholders
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Attitudes towards gender non-conformity (among children; youth; parents;
educators;)
Gender as performance
Gender roles in same-sex headed households
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Appendix 4 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, social exclusion, marginalization;
Gender and the labour market:, gender gap, pensions, lifelong learning; Gender, race
and ethnicity; Tourism and leisure; Media; Women and politics; Gender and social
policy; Postcolonial theories.
2. Dr Marceline Naudi – LGBTQI; violence against women; domestic violence;
looksism; ageing; gender in social work and social care; gender in race, ethnicity,
faith issues; and others
3. Dr Brenda Murphy - gendered places and spaces, the construction of identities of
various kinds, (national, gender, ethnic etc.), in and through consumption and
performances of consumption and spaces of consumption; also Masculinities,
Globalisation and "global cultural flows”, and post-colonialisation.; Media and
identity (gender portrayal, the body ideal, the male gaze etc), Cybercultures and
cyberspace, Gender and Social Media, Diaspora, identity, consumption &
advertising, and Media & Gender portrayal, representation and politic.
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
5. Dr Joanne Cassar - sexualities, sexuality education, sexual orientation; teenage
pregnancy; leisure; body image; the construction and implications of femininities and
masculinities.
6. Dr Sue Vella - gender and the long term care of the elderly; women, work and
welfare design; housing and lone parents; women, philanthropy and the development
of welfare states.
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. Dr Janet Mifsud - gender and health; gender and science; gender in voluntary
organisations
11. Dr Gillian Martin - the body, medical sociology as related to gender
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Appendix 5: Relevant Forms
Record of Supervision Session
Research Student:
Supervisor:
signature __________________
_
Date of Supervision:
_______signature __________________
__
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.
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