Class Dissertation

The Dissertation course unit constitutes the culmination of the student’s academic path within the Master’s programme. It aims at the completion of an independent research project, which may take the form of a purely theoretical study or a theory-practice model, in articulation with the themes, methodologies, and issues explored throughout the programme. The dissertation must demonstrate critical capacity, methodological rigour, and an original contribution to the disciplinary field, consolidating the student’s preparation for advanced research or specialised professional practice.

Not applicable

1.     Definition of the theme and research problem: delimitation of object, aims, and hypotheses. 2.     Critical literature review: bibliographic survey, identification of relevant authors and perspectives. 3.     Research methodologies: theoretical, qualitative, quantitative, and/or practice-based methods. 4.     Project development: analysis, experimentation, design practice (where applicable). 5.     Dissertation structure and writing: organisation of the academic text, formal standards, and referencing. 6.     Preparation for public defence: synthesis, argumentation, and presentation.

·       Individual and group tutorial supervision, provided by lecturers and specialists. ·       Seminar sessions for discussion of methodologies and ongoing work. ·       Progressive supervision, including intermediate assessment points. ·       Encouragement of interdisciplinarity and the articulation of theory, practice, and research.

Eco, Umberto (2016). Como se faz uma tese. Lisboa: Presença. Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The Craft of Research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Swetnam, D. (2009). Writing Your Dissertation. Oxford: How To Books. Gray, C. & Malins, J. (2004). Visualizing Research: A Guide to the Research Process in Art and Design. Aldershot: Ashgate.