Changing BA Dissertation Requirements:

1. Changing BA Dissertation Requirements: Results of a short series of interviews of colleagues at University College Falmouth Dr. Nancy Roth, History/Theory Tutor, BA (Hons) Fine Art, University College Falmouth

2. This study arose in response of various factors • My own apparently odd “take” on writing in art and design education • My recent experience with Writing PAD • Experience with students and colleagues at my home institution, University College Falmouth: students, Fine Art course team, History/Theory tutors on other courses, Dean of Faculty…

3. Talking to Colleagues… The study consisted of a dozen interviews of colleagues involved in dissertation supervision and support. The primary purpose was to get a more informed picture of prevailing views on the potential value of changing the dissertation requirement. I was looking for areas of clear convergence or divergence on this particular issue, and of course curious about the extent to which my own views might resonate among my colleagues.

4. The interviews had three main parts: • His or her experience in supervision/support of students writing dissertations. • His or her views about how well current arrangements are working • His or her views about the advisability of changing the dissertation requirement in various ways, notably in form (e.g., substitution or supplement with video, Powerpoint, presentation, etc, changes in form of writing or in length of submission).

5. General Results • There is very little interest in changing dissertation requirements at all. • The main focus of interest in change lies in • Making sure existing guidelines and criteria are understood by everyone involved in the process, and • Providing more, and more effective support for students who find writing difficult

6. More detailed results We should not, except perhaps under very exceptional circumstances, allow substitutions for an extended written project because. • It is the most efficient means of achieving certain goals of higher education. • Rewards for the student, in terms of increased confidence, make the effort worthwhile.

7. Uniformity of requirement across all courses may not be a desirable goal. • The dissertation may not serve the same purposes on each course. • Different courses legitimately place different emphases, hold varying values with respect to writing.

8. SENDA requirements Most of those interviewed understood the appropriate response to SENDA to be improving support and communication, rather than altering academic requirements.

9. The gratifying results…. • The value of writing in art and design does not seem to be in any doubt • There seems to be quite strong interest in making varied forms of writing available to art and design students

10. The upsetting results • Being identified as “the one who wants to get rid of dissertations” • The very first response to the report being disappointment that it did not point toward any reduction in the expense of supervising dissertations.

11. Open questions… • How serious is the financial threat to dissertations on art and design courses? • Are views on changing dissertation requirements in other art and design institutions comparable to those at UCF?