Capstone Project

What is a CAPSTONE Project?

In your final year you will do a capstone project which showcases the skills and knowledge you have developed across the four years of study. Capstone projects usually involve primary or secondary research on a topic that you choose. The topic you select can be based on your interests arising from your studies, work or volunteering experience or can be directed with specific career paths in mind.

CAPSTONE Dissertation

The Capstone dissertation consists of a piece of original empirical research of extended length. 12,000 Words.

Social Policy Reseach Methods for Capstone, Modules SSU44001 (10 ECTS) and SSU44011 (5 ECTS), taught in Michaelmas Term, Year 4 (SS), prepares students for carrying out this Independant piece of work. This module is mandatory for those students choosing a Capstone in Social Policy, at either 5 or 10 ECTS.

During Senior Sophister Year (Year 4) students receive supervision from members of the School of Social Policy & Social Work to support their completion of the Capstone Dissertation.

The Capstone project requires a significant level of independent research by the student. It should be an integrative exercise allowing students to showcase skills and knowledge developed over their four years of study. It will result in the production of a significant piece of original work by the student. Social Policy Capstone projects are written dissertations of extended length, 12,000 words, involving desk-based policy documentary analysis original empirical research using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methodologies using either existing data-sets or involving primary data collection ordesk-based documentary research synthesizing existing research.

CAPSTONE and The Trinity Graduate Attributes

The Capstone project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the attainment of Graduate Attributes laid down by the University for Undergraduate study. The Trinity Graduate Attributes represent the qualities, skills and behaviours that students will have the opportunity to develop as a Trinity student over their entire university experience, in other words, not only in the classroom, but also through engagement in co- and extra-curricular activities (such as summer work placements, internships, or volunteering).

The four Trinity Graduate Attributes are:

• To Think Independently

• To Act Responsibly

• To Develop Continuously

• To Communicate Effectively

The Trinity Graduate Attributes will enhance student’s personal, professional, and intellectual development. They will also help to prepare students for lifelong learning and for the challenges of living and working in an increasingly complex and changing world. The Graduate Attributes will enhance employability. Whilst the degree remains fundamental, also being able to demonstrate these Graduate Attributes will help students differentiate themselves as they encapsulate the kinds of transversal skills and abilities, which employers are looking for.

Examples of Social Policy CAPSTONE Projects: