1. An Overview

2.  Worth 60 credits – that’s one third of the whole MSc!  Worth even more than that……..  It is used to determine final awards  Nobody gets a good degree with a poor project  Employers often consider project marks above all else  More people fail their degree because they fail their project than any other module … by a mile!  To pass needs time – lots of time – and you need to start now

3.  What is it NOT?......  It is NOT like a project you may have done on some other course  It is NOT anything like a module assignment - only bigger  If you are an overseas student, it is NOT anything like a project you may have done at home  It’s not easy  It’s not quick

4. It is a demonstration that........  You can analyse a problem  You can find and critically review what others have achieved in that area  You can produce and justify a solution to the problem using all the skills you have acquired on the course  You can critically analyse your solution and your own performance  You can manage your time  You can work bloody hard!

5.  SIMPLE … But not EASY  You read and understand the specification – then you deliver what is required  You need to put in at least 600 hours of work – probably a lot more!  That’s between 50 and 100 days (depending on how hard you work) doing nothing else  You will have a personal supervisor to help you  I will help you where I can  There will be lots of information on the Web  Read it!!!!!!!!!

6.  REALLY EASY!  Do nothing  Do nothing until it’s too late  Leave it till next month  Think of it as just another assignment  Ignore your personal supervisor  Ignore me Your MSc!

7.  You need to decide on a Project Proposal  You may have an idea already or there are loads of suggestions on the Web  Talk to staff members who specialize in areas you are interested in – ask if they are prepared to supervise you

8. More guidance to follow next week and thereafter … Good Luck!