CDRC Masters Dissertation Scheme 2021

1. Masters Dissertation Scheme
2021
https://www.cdrc.ac.uk/education-and-training/masters-
dissertation-scheme/details-for-students/

2. • The programme gives students the opportunity
undertake their dissertation which solves a
problem set by a commercial organisation
• Students are entered into a competition to win
three cash prizes (£500, £250, £250) funded by
the CDRC
• Students are also offered a £500 bursary upon
successful project completion
• Research can take place on-site with the industry
sponsor, but students will still be offered a
supervisor from their university as well
• Students and supervisors will be invited to an
academic conference in October
Summary

3. The programme offers students a unique
opportunity to apply their skills to real-world
problems and to gain valuable experience
working with commercial datasets
Panel images from left to right: Christian Tonge (2017), Paula White (2017), Neelam Kundi (2017), Ulzhan Bissarinova (2017)

4. Some Current & Former Sponsors

5. Student Institutions

6. Timeline
January
Projects are
advertised on the
CDRC website.
Jan - Apr
The student application process is
open. Successful students may be
required to attend an interview.
May - Aug
Research is undertaken either at the student’s university (or
remotely if lockdown restrictions apply)
or on-site with the industry sponsor.
September
Dissertations are
submitted to the CDRC
and industrial sponsors.
October
Participants are invited to an
Academic conference where
the prizes are awarded.

7. Projects will
normally use data
on consumers and
their behaviour.
Research Area

8. Outputs
https://www.cdrc.ac.uk/education-and-training/masters-dissertation-scheme/project-archive/

9. Academic Conference
All participants involved in the programme are invited
to an annual academic conference on consumer data
• The conference is attended by a mixture of business
representatives and academics
• Students present posters of their research
• The three cash prizes are awarded
The Demographics Users Group Conference 2016. The Royal Society, London

10. • The CDRC will fund 3 cash prizes, judged by an
independent panel.
• £500, £250, £250
• Prizes will be awarded at an academic
conference in October.
Prizes
Lord David Willets (Resolution Foundation)
awarding one of the prizes at the Data
Analysts User Group Conference,
Royal Society, London. 2017

11. • Visit https://www.cdrc.ac.uk/education-and-
training/masters-dissertation-scheme/ to browse
the available projects for this year’s programme
• Read the guidelines on how to apply (on the
Details for Students page).
• If a project takes your interest, contact
projects@cdrc.ac.uk for an application form, fill
and send back with your CV.
• Selected students will be invited to a interview
with the prospective sponsor.
• Projects will be allocated on a first come first
serve basis so please apply early to avoid
disappointment.
To Participate

12. • Should be studying a Masters level degree at a
UK based institution.
• Should be predicted a merit or distinction, or
your degree equivalent.
• Should have the essential skills specified on the
project proposal form describing your project of
interest.
• (If lockdown restrictions allow) the student
should be able to attend the office of the
company for occasional meetings from May
until August.
• Or be able to attend the office more regularly if the
company has specified that they can only offer onsite
access to data
Candidates

13. • Students may be required to sign a non-
disclosure agreement (as set by their sponsor).
• Students will be expected to attend occasional
progress meetings with their sponsors during
the research process.
• Students are required to send a copy of their
dissertation to the CDRC and to their industry
sponsor in September.
• Students will be asked to present a poster of
their research at an academic conference in
October.
• Students will be invited to produce an extended
abstract to be published on the CDRC website.
Requirements

14. Application Form

15. • Use the cover letter to demonstrate that you
have:
• Academic skills and experience relevant to
the research proposal.
• Enthusiasm to work with the retailer, and
motivation to deliver a successful project.
• A good understanding of the research topic
and possibly some ideas about taking the
research forward.
• Practical problem-solving and
communications skills.
Guidelines

16. • Take advantage of the advice offered by your
academic and industry supervisors.
• Be organised, plan ahead.
• Don’t be afraid to be innovative. You may have
to go beyond the techniques you learnt from
the taught part of your course. Most topics are
multidisciplinary.
• Take care with your presentation. Your
dissertation is going to be read by both
academics and non-academics.
Tips

17. • Three-tier Data Access
• Secure Facilities
• Trusted Researchers
• Governance
• Safe results
www.cdrc.ac.uk
https://www.cdrc.ac.uk/education-and-training/masters-dissertation-scheme/