Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 30 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Dissertation period |
| Assessment:
| DS 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take SP50219 and in taking this unit you cannot take SP50223 |
| Description:
| Aims: To give students the opportunity to identify a feasible research question and relate it to relevant literature and empirical material and to develop a cogent, credible and sustained argument that addresses the research question, and to do this within a fixed time period. The period allocated for writing dissertations may also provide some students with an opportunity to go on placement (sometimes also referred to as internship - in this case the two terms mean the same thing) in order to gain work experience relevant to any aspect of their programme of study. Where possible dissertation topics and placements will be explicitly linked, but this is not a requisite for a placement. Learning Outcomes: An ability (a) to define and answer a research question in a chosen area of interest related to development, (b) to support the argument with relevant empirical evidence and/or reference to appropriate theory, and/or linking together arguments from disparate literatures or disciplinary perspectives, (c) to do all the above in written form in a dissertation that conforms to acceptable standards of presentation and expression, and (d) to complete the assignment within an agreed deadline. Skills: Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (e.g. essays) (Taught/Facilitated). Ability to select, analyse and present numerical data (T/F/Assessed). Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources (T/F/A). Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F/A). Ability to synthesise multidisciplinary perspectives on the same problem (T/F/A). Ability to formulate a research question, then develop and present an original & coherent answer (T/F/A). Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F/A). Ability to work independently, without close supervision of guidance (T/F/A). Content: Any area of development studies for which an adequate level of supervision can be offered. Dissertations may be based on any combination of (a) review of published literature (b) analysis of secondary data (c) analysis of primary data collected by the student, for example through participant observation while on placement. The dissertation should include a BRIEF reference to the methodology employed in its production (for example, how relevant secondary literature was identified and organised). The dissertation should also make explicit reference to at least one important development issue covered as part of the Diploma stage of the programme. The nature of a placement may vary, but should be set out clearly and approved by the Director of Studies in a placement proposal letter prior to its inception. At the minimum, a placement should comprise a structured set of meetings and agreement with a named organisation to collaborate in collection and analysis of data to be incorporated into the student's dissertation. At the other extreme, a placement may require the student to undertake substantial tasks that are not directly related to their dissertation. In all cases the Director of Studies may agree to either an appropriate extension of the deadline for submission of the dissertation. This may also require a change of the student's status from full-time to part-time, and in some cases temporary suspension of registration. |
| Programme availability: |
SP50222 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
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