Unit information: Dissertation (MSc in Public Policy Analysis) in 2022/23

Unit name	Dissertation (MSc in Public Policy Analysis)
Unit code	SPOLM0067
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Phil Sayer
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	N/A
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	N/A
Units you may not take alongside this one	N/A
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Unit Information

The dissertation is an opportunity to carry out original independent study enabling the student to select a field of inquiry and carry out research in depth over a substantial period of time. It is also an opportunity to apply some of the theoretical perspectives and research skills gained during the programme to their chosen area of study. Student learning is supported by 10 weekly methods workshops, followed by regular individual, online supervision sessions, though the expectation is that the dissertation is primarily an individual piece of work. As such, students will develop important skills in managing a research project and making key decisions throughout the process.

The unit aims to:

1. Provide the student with the opportunity to investigate a topic of their own choice (within the broad framework of public policy).
2. Enable students to explore the conceptual and theoretical issues associated with their chosen topic.
3. Enable the student to apply some (but not necessarily all) of the research skills developed in the taught units in carrying out a short piece of research.
4. Enhance the practical and transferable skills of locating and using knowledge and information, conveying ideas in written format, planning and managing their time.
5. Enable students to develop experience in managing a small research project and making key research decisions.

Your learning on this unit

On successful completion of the unit, the student will demonstrate:

1. An ability to frame suitable research questions
2. An understanding of the conceptual and theoretical concerns associated with their chosen topic.
3. An understanding of, and ability to apply an appropriate research methodology to investigate their chosen topic.
4. An ability to analyse data, draw opposite conclusions which are integrated with wider academic debates.
5. An aptitude to plan and carry out a sustained piece of independent research.

How you will learn

Students will complete preparation exercises for, and attend, 10 weekly methods workshops. This section of the unit will be delivered through a combination of asynchronous content for students to engage with and complete in their own time, and synchronous (live) online workshop sessions in which students will work in small groups to complete tasks relating to the week’s research method.

Asynchronous content will present students with course materials related to weekly topics, and will be in the form of recorded presentations, as well as key readings, infographics, notes, video materials and/or self-directed exercises.

One hour per week synchronous (live) workshop sessions will give students the opportunity to develop their research skills in collaboration with other students in the programme. Students may be asked to work in small groups in seminars or in preparation for seminar activities such as group presentations.

Thereafter, the dissertation project will be supported by regular, individual academic supervision via a series of online meetings and feedback on written drafts with an assigned supervisor. Students must submit an acceptable research ethics proposal to the programme director before beginning their research.

How you will be assessed

A dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. The dissertation should demonstrate that the student understands how to: frame research questions, critique, draw upon and develop appropriate conceptual and theoretical approaches, develop and apply an appropriate research strategy (plan and complete primary data collection and/or identify appropriate secondary data sources), analyse data and draw conclusions that are integrated with wider academic debates.

This assessment covers ILOs 1-5.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0067).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.