Social Research MSc Dissertation module (GE50009)

The Dissertation is an independent research project, in which you will apply the research knowledge and skills learnt in the modules across the MSc Social Research programme. The Dissertation is on a relevant social science topic identified and developed by you, and agreed with their allocated supervisor. The Dissertation is one-third of the credits (60) of the programme, and is completed in the period May to August. The Dissertation report is a 15,000-word document.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• design and undertake an independent research project on a social science topic
• read and review relevant academic and policy literature
• identify research aims, objectives, and questions
• design appropriate methods for data collection and analysis
• gain research ethics and risk assessment approvals
• write up the Dissertation in the appropriate format
• be allocated a supervisor, who will provide guidance throughout the course of the Dissertation

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• design and undertake a research project on a relevant topic
• understand in depth a specific research issue
• evaluate what is knowable about a specific research issue, given the available methods and data
• understand the role of selected research methods
• understand how to identify research questions, devise an appropriate research design, and use appropriate methods to undertake data collection in a rigorous way
• identify and conceptualise a research problem
• develop appropriate knowledge and skills to address research aims, objectives and questions
• develop skills of critical evaluation in relation to research methods and data analysis
• develop through practice a greater confidence and ability in using research methods to analyse data
• develop skills of interpretation of findings relative to the literature on the topic, and to reach conclusions on the basis of reasoned argument using the evidence gathered
• develop written and presentation skills in preparing the dissertation report
• enhance ability to work in an original and independent fashion

Assignments / assessment

• dissertation report - 15,000 words (100%)

Teaching methods / timetable

The Dissertation is an independent research project.

Students are allocated a supervisor in April, with the work on the Dissertation starting by the beginning of May. Students meet regularly with their supervisor between May and August. There are a small number of classes in Semester 2 addressing different aspects of the Dissertation.