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MSc dissertation programme 2011-2012

Would you like the opportunity to work with Ordnance Survey on your MSc dissertation?

Our MSc dissertation programme

  • offers you a great chance to work with an industrial partner
  • provides you with an insight into the world of research
  • gives you access to real research challenges
  • gives you something of real value to add to your CV

Our research areas cover a number of disciplines. We've previously sponsored students from computer science, geography, GIS and psychology backgrounds.

What we can provide

  • A stimulating project to work on over the coming months
  • Advice and support from the Research  team at Ordnance Survey
  • Ordnance Survey data, including products not available via Digimap.
  • Up to £700 on completion, as recognition of your work
  • A prize for the best presentation at the presentation day in the autumn

What happens during the programme

1 – Choose a project or suggest one of your own

Please take a look at the  list of topics that we  prepared or submit a project proposal of your own if you have an idea that matches our areas of research work.

2 – Submit a proposal

Once you have selected a project, please send us a one-page synopsis of your proposed research to university enquiries email. This should include an overview, objectives of the research, the methodology and planned deliverables. There is no deadline for project proposals. We aim to get back to you within a week to let you know if your proposal has been accepted for the sponsored programme.

In choosing whether to accept your proposal we will consider:

  • How closely your proposal fits with our own research work and interests;
  • Whether you have demonstrated a good understanding of the research topic;
  • The extent to which your proposal demonstrates you have taken an interesting and challenging approach to the project;
  • The number of students and the range of topics already accepted on the Programme.

3 – Work with us

If your proposal is accepted, we will arrange a meeting at Ordnance Survey with your project advisor to discuss the project and any data requirements in further detail.

During the writing of your dissertation, we will be able to provide you with a certain amount of support, in conjunction with your university supervisor. This will be via email and occasionally phone.

4 – Present your results to us

At the end of the programme you will be required to present your results at our MSc presentation day, held at Ordnance Survey at the end of September. This is a great opportunity to share your work with others and hear what they've done. It contributes towards your overall award and gives you the chance to win the prize for best presentation.

If your course has a different timetable or you are a part time student, then this can be accommodated. More details on this event will be sent nearer the time.

5 – Receive an award

Following the presentation day and the submission of your dissertation we will, at our discretion make an award of up to £700 as recognition of your work.

The amount of any award will reflect:

  • The critical approach you adopt;
  • Your professionalism and level of conscientiousness in tackling the research and working with Ordnance Survey;
  • The quality of your final report or dissertation;
  • The quality of your presentation at the end of the programme.

 

Results from last year's programme

Best Student award

Yuki Geali of the Human-computer Interaction with Ergonomics department at UCL received the full £700 sponsorship and the best student award for the best research project. 'Route planning on leisure maps - How do paper and online maps affect task performance?'

Best Presentation

Yuki also won an Amazon Kindle as the prize for the best presentation at the final presentation day at Ordnance Survey in September.

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For general enquiries, complaints, feedback or suggestions, email: customerservices@ordnancesurvey.co.uk or call us on 08456 05 05 05