Capstone guide

Whats a capstone?

CONTACT

Example of a capstone

potential challenges and supports

Capstone guide

what accommodations are available for capstones?

For disabled students

Capstone Layout

Supports for writing your capstone

Assistive technology for writing

Disabilty service online resources

Possible challenges and support

1. Executive Function and Time Management Difficulties Challenge: Organising tasks over two semesters, meeting milestones like proposals and drafts, and managing deadlines. Example: A student with ADHD may struggle to initiate and maintain work on the project without structured check-ins, potentially missing the Semester 1 proposal deadline. Support Needed: Structured timelines, progress monitoring meetings, and flexibility with deadlines where necessary. 2. Mental Health Challenges (e.g., Anxiety, Depression) Challenge: Sustained, self-directed work can be isolating and overwhelming, triggering anxiety or depressive episodes. Example: A student with generalised anxiety may over-focus on perfection in the dissertation, delaying submission or burning out. Support Needed: Access to counselling, academic mentoring, and realistic goal setting through occupational therapy support. 3. Specific Learning Differences (e.g., Dyslexia, Dysgraphia) Challenge: Difficulties with large volumes of academic writing, spelling, grammar, and maintaining coherent structure. Example: A student with dyslexia may require extra time to complete the dissertation due to reading and writing demands. Support Needed: Use of assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text, Grammarly, Microsoft Editor), extra time, and proof-reading support.

4. Physical and Sensory Disabilities Challenge: Fatigue or pain may limit time spent on reading, writing, or accessing materials. Certain software or library layouts might be inaccessible. Example: A student with a chronic pain condition may not be able to sit for long periods and might fall behind on typing up sections. Support Needed: Ergonomic equipment, voice dictation tools, flexible deadlines, and access to digital copies of all materials. 5. Sensory Overload and Working Environment Challenge: Finding a quiet, low-stimulation place to work can be difficult on campus. Example: A student with sensory sensitivity may avoid libraries due to noise or lighting, limiting productivity. Support Needed: Access to respite rooms or low-stimulation spaces, noise-cancelling headphones, and the option to work remotely.

Online resources from the disabilty service

www.tcd.ie/disability/services/essay-and-writing-support/

• Dissertation planning
• How to plan and write a dissertation

• Aids for spelling and grammar
• Tips for researching
• How to proof read your essay

Click the text to go to the DS website section*

Example of an economics capstone

Duration: Carried out through first and second semester of final year Modules required: ECU33091 - Econometrics A and ECU33092 - Econometrics B Assessment breakdown: Research proposal - 30% (Due at the end of Sem. 1) Dissertation - 70% (Due during Sem. 2) Example research question: "The Gig Economy and the Future of Work: Economic Security in the Digital Age"

Capstone layout

• Front cover: Title Name Title page: title of project, your name, supervisor’s name, name of university, year completed
• Declaration
• Contents page
• Abstract
• List of figures or diagrams
• List of tables or illustrations
• Acknowledgements
• Sections and chapters
• Appendices
• References

Accommodations for the capstone project

To find out more about accessing these accommodations please contact your Disability Officer in the disAbility Service

For example:

• Extended deadlines
• Alternative formats
• Assistive technology

Assistive technology for capstones

There are many tools for assisting your dissertation at the disAbility Service. Click this link to access.

For example:

• Microsoft editor for spelling and grammar checks.
• Microsoft dictate for speech to text.
• Immersive reader for text to speech.

CONTACT

+353 1 896 3111

askds@tcd.ie

Printing House Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 www.tcd.ie/disability

Writing support available

Student Learning Development (SLD) service in Trinity is free to all students and helps students with their academic journey.

• Academic writing appointments
• Write here write now - collective writing session
• Tips talks - writing workshops
• Writing skills workshop
• SLD blackboard module

What is a capstone?

Although it is differently defined throughout degrees, a capstone is an independent piece of research often completed in final year worth 20 ECTS.

It can commonly be called a dissertation or final year project.

It's a way for students to showcase the knowledge, skills, and competencies they've acquired throughout their undergraduate journey.