If you want to write an independent assignment, your choice of topic isn’t the only thing to consider. It’s also a good idea to consider the type of assignment you’re working on and your research approach. This applies no matter where you are in your degree programme.
Familiarising yourself with the different types of assignments and approaches will help you make a more conscious choice about how to structure your assignment. You might have more options than you initially thought.
As a rule, no assignment type is better or more highly thought of than another. And no assignment type completely stands alone from all others. Different assignment types can often be combined within a single assignment.
Regardless of the type of assignment you choose to write, it’s important to structure and sub-divide it into different sections for methods, theory and analysis.
Click here to read more about structuring an assignment.
Collaborating with external partners |
Objective: This will give you a unique opportunity to learn about an issue that stems from working life. Having other people interested in the results of your assignment can be a good source of motivation and drive. You might be able to access material that you would not otherwise be able to analyse if you weren’t working with a company or organisation. You will often be dependent on the commitment and availability of the company/organisation you are collaborating with. It’s important to draw up a plan for the process and agree this with the company/organisation in advance. Make confidentiality agreements with your collaboration partner (NDAs). Remember that the final product will be assessed as an academic assignment and should not be written solely with the company/organisation in mind. |
| Example: Study of the management philosophy of Danske Bank. |
Product-oriented assignments |
Objective: Producing a specific product that has direct utility value can energise the writing process. You can include empirical studies in the assignment and, if necessary, make use of the product the object of analysis and evaluation. The product itself cannot stand alone, it must be part of a Master's thesis, for example. Ask your supervisor to help you to prioritise the various elements in the assignment. |
| Example: Preparing teaching materials for teaching upper secondary school Latin. |
