BU597E: DISSERTATION IN SUSTAINABILITY ECONOMICS AND FINANCE (2026-2027)

This course intends to provide a degree of synthesis of the various course components. Students should be able to demonstrate that they are able to apply knowledge and skills gained, and that they have an understanding of the wider context of the programme of study undertaken. Drawing upon a range of different aspects of the taught programme, the course allows students to concentrate on topics that are of particular interest to them. It also provides an opportunity for students to work independently, guided by individual supervision.

1. Academic based dissertation:
   This form of dissertation follows the standard academic pattern of identifying a topic arising from a gap in the literature and developing a methodology to explore this area in depth. Students will further develop skills in formulating appropriate research questions, planning and executing a research programme, analysing and evaluating materials and data generated, and communicating the findings by a fixed deadline.
2. Applied dissertation (practice-based project report):
   It is designed as an alternative to writing an academic based dissertation and will, therefore, be attractive to those students seeking to enhance their employability skills and knowledge. It starts with an emerging problem, either provided from an industrial partner or with their cooperation in the process and seeks to provide a research-based solution to or an exploration of the problem. Students must be able to draw on some of the theories that were taught in the programme, and to apply and integrate them to the researched subject.
   Students are required to write a report that equates to a dissertation, but which is directly related to the industrial partner in which they work, shadowed, undertook a placement in, or are sufficiently familiar with. The applied dissertation will enable students to focus on a specific issue in the realm of sustainability economics and finance, and conduct research relating to that issue accordingly. It enables students to develop their understanding of a managerial or organisational issue and, where appropriate, make recommendations for decision-making that would enhance or improve the standing of the organisation concerned.

Sustainability

Students incorporate critical enquiry into aspects pertained to the sustainability through a lens of economics and/or finance, and its implications for promoting sustainable futures.

External Engagement

There is the potential for engagement with public or private sector entities, depending on the type of dissertation students pursue and given demand from the sector.

Employability

Students develop skills in project management and writing to specific aims and objectives as well as in a range of research tools such as, for example, interviewing, statistical analysis, qualitative analysis and other skills that increase employability in research and planning functions.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

There are no assessments for this course.