The aim of the dissertation is to demonstrate the student's ability to carry out independent research and development work and to develop expertise in a focused area of the programme. In undertaking the dissertation, the student should demonstrate initiative and intellectual achievement, understanding of the chosen subject matter, and the principles being applied. He/She will also develop and demonstrate the ability to pursue a subject area of the course to substantial depth and present the dissertation in a precise and coherent manner.

Assessment Process: Students are required to submit an intermediate progress report highlighting the major areas covered at the end of one semester/term of registration. 10% of the overall assessment weighting will be based on the following considerations as decided by the project supervisor depending on the agreed plan of executing the project and milestones:

- Understanding of project significance, definition and scope

- Effort towards literature review and understanding

- Application or use of knowledge in methodology development

- Methodology implementation

- Analysis and appraisal of results

The submitted final written Dissertation is assessed by the Dissertation Committee with the attendance of Supervisor (and any Co-Supervisor). The Dissertation will take a weighting 90% of the overall assessment. A student may be asked to make an Oral Defence of the Dissertation work in the presence of a Dissertation Committee nominee, the Supervisor, the Assessor and any CoSupervisor.

After the written Dissertation has been assessed to be satisfactory, a student must submit two bound copies of his/her final Dissertation and a softcopy to the Dissertation Committee via his/her Supervisor.