Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Dissertation |
| Unit code |
CEASM0015 |
| Credit points |
60 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Yamashita |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
The application of learning to an issue in East Asian Development and the Global Economy is a key element of the MSc. The project, which may be either organisation-based or research-based, aims to identify and systematically explore a significant issue. Project advice and information are provided in the research methods course and in dissertation workshops. Following the submission of a project proposal, participants develop their proposals and meet with their academic supervisors and, if appropriate, their organisation sponsors. Between April and September, participants dedicate their time to the project, which is submitted in the form of a dissertation, not exceeding 15.000 words in mid-September.
The dissertation aims, in a major piece of independent work, to give students an opportunity to:
- apply the substantive learning which have acquired from the taught units to an issue they have identified in the area of East Asian Development and the Global Economy
- demonstrate an understanding of the whole research process, including the main stages, techniques and processes of a major research project
- demonstrate the acquisition of a range of research skills
- express and communicate written ideas in a clear and concise manner
- structure a major piece of academic writing in a coherent, logical and structured way
- weigh up evidence, draw and justify conclusions, answer research questions and present appropriate recommendations which balance descriptive, analytical and independent thought elements
- demonstrate skills of project management including such transferable skills as: the ability to work independently, to manage time, to work to deadlines, to produce a high quality dissertation to professional standards.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the dissertation students will have learned to:
- apply the substantive learning which have acquired from the taught units to an issue they have identified in the area of East Asian Development and the Global Economy
- apply their research skills to a project which they have identified
- manage a research project
- express and communicate written ideas in a clear and concise manner
- structure a major piece of academic writing in a coherent, logical and structured way
- weigh up evidence, draw and justify conclusions, answer research questions and present appropriate recommendations which balance descriptive, analytical and independent thought elements
- demonstrate skills of project management including such transferable skills as: the ability to work independently, to manage time, to work to deadlines, to produce a high quality dissertation to professional standards.
Teaching Information
Initial workshop followed by individual supervision.
Assessment Information
13,000- 15,000 Dissertation that reflects the learning outcomes.
Reading and References
- Swetnam, D. (2000) Writing Your Dissertation. Oxford, How To Books Ltd.
- Cooley, L. & Lewkowicz, J (2003) Dissertation Writing in Practice: Turning Ideas into Text. Hong Kong, Hong Kong University Press.
- Hart, C. (1998) Doing A Literature Review. London, Sage.
- White, B (2000) Dissertation Skills for Business and Management Students. London, Thomson Learning.
- Bell, J. (1999) Doing Your Research Project. (3rd edition) Maidenhead, Open University Press.
