Dissertation timetable
This timetable will help you plan your project. Aside from the rows with dates (projects database opening, deadline for supervisors, poster presentation and dissertation hand-in) the rest is for advice only. You should discuss and agree appropriate activities and milestones with your supervisor.
The timetable is based on the principle of working towards the dissertation, rather than undertaking a project that you will write up at the end. As the dissertation is the thing that's marked, anything you don't include cannot be taken into consideration. Therefore, plan and draft the dissertation at an early stage. It is better to have a draft that you can change than nothing - and don't be afraid to change your mind, especially if an unrealistic plan is preventing progress.
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16 February 2024 |
Find potential supervisors and discuss topics that you want to work on. The Master's project database opens on 16 February 2024; it contains suggestions for topics from supervisors, but student proposals are welcome too. Think carefully about a subject area for your project – it’s hard to get a good mark if you aren't interested in the topic! Approach several potential supervisors and discuss your ideas. Supervisors will not start accepting students until 10 March. This will give you an opportunity to get a good idea of the Spring term’s modules and to discuss your interests with lecturers. If you do have an idea about what your project might be on, then feel free to discuss it with your lecturers whenever you like. |
| 10 March 2024 |
All students should have contacted a supervisor by this date. If your potential supervisor has informally accepted you for a project via emails, you will need to ask your supervisor to accept you formally on the Database; otherwise, the system will show you without a project. ALL students should be accepted on the database with a supervisor by 21 March. |
| 18 April 2024 | Submit a project proposal (1-2 A4 pages) to your supervisor by email, describing your project topic and aims. You should also draw up a schedule for meetings with your supervisor. (You might want to review this schedule from time to time, as the project progresses.) |
| 23 May 2024 | Produce a draft survey of relevant work and requirements specification (or equivalent). Draw up a draft table of contents for the dissertation. |
| Mid June | Expand on your project proposal to produce a rough draft of the thesis. Produce a design and scenarios (or equivalent). |
| Mid July | Submit a draft of the dissertation to your supervisor for feedback. This will also give you a chance to reflect upon what you have achieved so far. |
| End July | Finish testing and evaluations. |
| Early August | Revise dissertation. |
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Before 16.00 |
Submit dissertation online. Students should therefore make additional copies for themselves, sponsors, future employers, etc. |
MSc Advanced Computer Science timetable variations
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | Topics in Computer Science module. The work here is not required to lead to a dissertation, but it: - gives a sample of likely supervisors' interests - gives you an opportunity to practice the skills for the literature review and planning stages - may lead into your dissertation. |