The dissertation provides opportunity for students to develop and complete a research project of either literature or empirical based relevant to their own specialism. Students may focus on a specific area such as a selected service target, application of a practice theory, exploration of a topic or issue, management practice or service policy. The dissertation topic is treated with rigour and depth, appropriate to work at postgraduate level. Students start their work on dissertation in the form of group seminars in the summer term of Year 1 and extend through Year 2 of the programme.