Unit name | Dissertation (MSc in Public Policy) |
---|---|
Unit code | SPOLM1010 |
Credit points | 60 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
Unit director | Dr. Lendvai-Bainton |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School for Policy Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
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 regular individual supervision sessions and workshops, though the expectation is that the dissertation is primarily an individual piece of work.
The unit aims to:
On successful completion of the unit, the student will demonstrate, through the production of a dissertation between 10 – 15,000 words:
Students will be expected to present their research proposal at a dissertation workshop, after which they will be assigned a dissertation supervisor. Thereafter individual study will be supported by regular, negotiated academic supervision. Students must submit an acceptable research ethics proposal to the programme director before beginning their research.
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.
To be negotiated with the supervisor.