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The Masters dissertation is a scholarly document of a maximum of 15,000 words based on independent research and thought and including some analysis of data that integrates anthropological perspectives in an original way. It must use anthropological materials (i.e. theories; methods; ethnographic data) in some way. This may be achieved at an empirical level (by presenting source or case materials) or at a theoretical level (by exploring and synthesising previously published sources), or in a mixed manner, showing how the two levels are related. In most cases the dissertation will report on original data collected by the student in order to address a particular empirical question within the scope of the degree. Such a dissertation will include a literature review on other similar work demonstrating the practical or theoretical justification for this particular dissertation, a description of the methodology, and appropriate analysis of the results.

The purpose of the dissertation is to provide both an exercise in and a test of the student's mastery of anthropological approaches to an issue of their choice. The topic chosen usually arises either from a professional interest of the student, or as part of developments toward PhD research.

The intended outcome, therefore, is a dissertation that exemplifies the techniques, methods and theories of anthropology (and, if relevant, their limitations), enabling the student to apply and develop the methods learnt to other contexts as appropriate. In doing so, dissertations are expected to be an original contribution to knowledge.