| Unit name | Dissertation (MSc in Public Policy SNU) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0063 |
| 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) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
The dissertation is important as it enables you to carry out original independent study whereby you select a field of inquiry and carry out research in depth over a substantial period of time. It is an important opportunity for you to apply the theoretical perspectives and research skills gained during the programme to their chosen area of study. Your learning is supported by regular individual supervision sessions and workshops, though the expectation is that the dissertation is primarily an individual piece of work.
How does this unit fit into the programme of study?
This unit is the culmination of your programme of study, building on the theoretical perspectives and contemporary debates about public policy, as addressed in your core and optional modules, and providing you with the opportunity to demonstrate your application of research skills to an independent research project.
An overview of content
The dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake independent learning in the form of prolonged project, either by conducting primary research, analysing secondary data or a discursive theoretical study. The process of conducting this research and writing a dissertation is an opportunity for you to consolidate, demonstrate and extend the ideas, methods and skills that you have learnt during the course of your degree.
How will students be different as a result of the unit:
You will become more confident that you have an in-depth knowledge of your specialist subject area and can critically evaluate research that others have undertaken. You will have the ability to select and use appropriate research methodologies. You will be aware of ethical issues and can work within ethical constraints. You will be able to develop a logical and consistent argument, supported by empirical research. You will be able to integrate theoretical perspectives alongside empirical research findings. You will be able to communicate results effectively and professionally. You will have the ability to carry out original work independently.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
You will be expected to present their research proposal after which you will be assigned a dissertation supervisor. Thereafter, individual study will be supported by regular, negotiated academic supervision either online or in person as the situation allows. You must submit an acceptable research ethics proposal to the programme director before beginning your research
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Supervision meetings, application for ethics approval and opportunity to submit drafts for feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Dissertation (10,000 words maximum, 100%)
This assessment addresses all of the unit learning outcomes.
When assessment does not go to plan
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, you may be offered an opportunity for reassessment. If you are eligible to resubmit, this will normally be a revised version of your previous assignment.
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. SPOLM0063).
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 University 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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
