Diversifying the master's research project: reflections on an initiative in architecture, planning and environmental management

A distinction may be made between a dissertation as an output of a master’s research project and an artefact as an output. The distinction is not total and it is possible to provide a unified framework of guidance and assessment for artefacts and dissertations in applied subjects in the architecture, planning, environmental management and allied subject areas. However, a dependence on different skills continues to prevent any extensive crossing over between one applied area and another. The preparation of a research project at masters level, whether an artefact or a dissertation, is in any case a demanding exercise where the quality of individual supervision and feedback are the decisive influence on student experience. This account is based on the experience of an initiative undertaken at an English university in the academic year 2013/ 2014.