Transcript COLOUR COMPUTER TEMPLATE - University of Portsmouth

Master’s Projects
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What is a Master’s Project?
Why are they important?
What is the process?
What is the timescale?
What are the main problems?
Questions?
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What is a Master’s Project?
• The investigation and solution of a
significant practical or theoretical
problem within your area of study.
 i.e. Software Engineering students must undertake a SE
topic, e-Commerce student must undertake an eCommerce topic, etc.
• The end result will be a Project
report (and probably a software
artefact).
 It will be the report that is marked
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What is a Master’s Project?
Unit Description at:
http://www.tech.port.ac.uk/tud
Go to: Level M units
Go to: Project (PC.PJ45P)
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Why are they important?
• They represent the demonstration of
your ability for independent study at
Master’s level
• It is worth 45 credits
• You cannot get an MSc if you fail your
project!
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What is the process?
• Choose a topic (3 possibilities):
1. Select one from our Project Database
2. Find an external client with a problem
3. Devise your own*
• You will then be allocated a supervisor
(*and a client if it is your own project)
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What is the process?
• You complete a Project Specification
which must then be agreed by your
client and supervisor.
• Project is undertaken, supported by your
supervisor and in conjunction with your
client.
• Project report submitted in September
2004 and an oral presentation given.
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What is the process?
• The key source of information and the
key tool for administering projects is the
PUMS website.
http://www.pums.cam.port.ac.uk/projects/
cohorts/msc2004/index.htm
• This will be updated in the next few
weeks as the project allocation process
begins.
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What is the timescale?
February – March:
• Think about the kinds of things you
might wish to do as a project
March – May:
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Identify/choose suitable project
Do some background research
Work on project skills, e.g.
 Information retrieval
 ‘Critical’ Literature reviews
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What is the timescale?
End May – early September:
• Work full-time on project
September:
• Project presentation (RECTP assessment)
• Project Report hand-in
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What are the main problems?
• Time
• Time-management
• The summer vacation (students &
supervisors!)
• Report writing (esp. for international
students)
• Dealing with academic literature at
Masters level
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