SP50334: Dissertation
[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]
Academic Year: | 2021/2 |
Owning Department/School: | Department of Social & Policy Sciences |
Credits: | 30 [equivalent to 60 CATS credits] |
Notional Study Hours: | 600 |
Level: | Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
Period: |
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Assessment Summary: | DS 100% |
Assessment Detail: |
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Supplementary Assessment: |
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Requisites: | |
Aims: | * To give students the opportunity to identify a feasible research question and relate it to relevant literature and empirical material; * To give students the opportunity to develop a cogent, credible and sustained argument that addresses the research question, and to do this within a fixed time period. |
Learning Outcomes: | An ability:
(a) to define and answer a research question in a chosen area of interest in the area of international development or humanitarian action; (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. |
Skills: | * Comprehensive and scholarly written communication in an extended form (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 and sustained arguments through precise use of concepts (T/F/A). * Ability to apply theories, concepts and models to empirical problems (T/F/A). * Ability to synthesise multidisciplinary perspectives on the same problem (T/F/A). * Ability to formulate a research question, and 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 or guidance (T/F/A). |
Content: | The dissertation should make explicit reference to at least one important development or humanitarian issue covered as part of the Diploma stage of the MSc in International Development/ MSc in International Development with Economics/ MSc in International Development for Social Justice and Sustainability/ MSc in International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action.
Dissertations may be based on any combination of: (a) review of published literature; (b) analysis of secondary data. In addition to these, dissertations may also include the analysis of primary data collected by the student provided that the student has 1) a strong rationale for doing so; and 2) the necessary skills to undertake primary research. |
Programme availability: |
SP50334 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
SP50334 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Computer Science
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Notes:
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