DISSERTATION AIM and LEARNING STRATEGY:
The aim of this dissertation is to develop competencies in selection, interpretation and application of methodologies suitable to the chosen field and draw on disciplinary literature to synthesis research. Its purpose is to enhance students ability to reflect on organizational and international practice with reference to international research in the area of a border management.

Students will develop critical awareness of previous work in the chosen field and contributing to knowledge in the field of border guard management by exploring or modifying some additional areas. This will enable students to apply and integrate knowledge and problem-solving skills to deal with complex situations in their organisation or in the international context.

It will equip them to present and critique their own and other work in a clear, structured style using logical argument. Incorporating research in this Master programme also aims to develop competencies in the translation of research into practice. Information based on systematic research will enable more efficient strategic decision making. It will stimulate the development of a common border management culture and
enable relationship building and cross-fertilization between practitioners and academics.
The dissertation forms an essential component of this Masters degree. It is a part of the learning process and is considered to be a test of academic skills and the culmination of learning from the entire Masters Programme.
The learning strategy for this phase comprises two elements: the selection a research topic/creating a dissertation proposal; and the submission of a Master thesis across two stages: submission of a summary of the dissertation and a final presentation (Board of Dissertation).

Students (when needed) will be formed into groups of of 5-7 students organized around one broad research theme per group. Each group will be supported by a supervisor.

This will facilitate cross-national comparisons and/or addressing multiple aspects of one research theme in the various dissertations. It also provided peer learning and support. Two to three face-to-face seminar meetings with the group and supervisor will be provided in the whole process. This will further enable peer-learning and evaluation and support from supervisor.  

During the next phase students will draw up their dissertation plan independently while continuing to is the online platform provided to draw on the support of the group as necessary. 2 to 3 specified number of face-to-face seminar meetings in groups with the supervisor will be provided during this phase on location (2 days each) in which the research proposal and the plan for conducting research activities will be discussed and opportunities provided for reviewed by both the supervisors and the peer-students.

During the independent research work and thesis -up are three milestone meetings, face-to-face or on-line (virtual classroom) are built into thesis process. In addition to the face-to-face meetings, the groups and the supervisors share a common collaboration space on an online platform where group members can meet and exchange ideas, report on the ongoing work, provide advice, feedback and encouragement in the spirit of peer mentorship.

In these ways the student will be supported throughout this phase by both peers and supervisors and opportunities will be provided to ensure the progression of learning and identification of any barriers to completion.