The majority of Master’s Programs conclude with a postgraduate dissertation. This is a significant piece of coursework based on independent research or practice. A dissertation is typically examined as a piece of written work which is usually graded by an examiner. Dissertation evaluations may include an oral exam in which you discuss and defend your work (a bit like the viva voce at the end of a Ph.D. Typically, your dissertation is worth around 60 credits (one-third of the total). The remaining modules make up the 120 credits required for a UK master.