Politics and International Relations MSc Dissertation module (PO53001)

The dissertation is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills through producing an extended piece of academic writing. 
Topics are open, although the exact focus must be agreed in advance with the academic supervisor to ensure that subject-specific guidance can be provided to you.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• produce a dissertation of the appropriate standard which will have no fewer than 12,000 words, with an upper limit of 15,000 words
• achieve the ability to design and execute a research project on a relevant topic
• develop a sophisticated understanding of the material presented that goes beyond factual appreciation 

By the end of this module, you will have:

• enhanced your knowledge and understanding of an appropriate topic  
• developed your ability to ascertain what is possible within the context of a time-limited research project 
• advanced your understanding of the research process - research design, selection of methods, data collection and analysis, etc.   
• gained expertise in handling primary and secondary sources, making appropriate judgements about evidence obtained 
• developed the ability to deploy concepts and information in an advanced analytical fashion
• advanced your critical thinking skills in relation to complex subjects in the field of International Relations 
• advanced your critical evaluation skills in relation to devising research questions, critiquing academic literature, evaluating research methods and data analysis 
• developed your research skills and gain first-hand experience of undertaking independent research 
• enhanced your problem-solving and analytical skills 
• enhanced your written and verbal communication and presentation skills, specifically when communicating complex subject matter 
• developed your ability to deploy your accumulated knowledge and skills to novel research puzzles 
• enhanced your capacity for independent project management and developed your time management skills  

Assignments / assessment

• the dissertation constitutes 100% of the assessment of this module
• write a research proposal and present this to fellow students and academic staff
• the final dissertation is assessed by your supervisor and a second marker

Teaching methods / timetable

• There is no teaching in the dissertation module, as it is an independent study. However, you will have up to 6 hours of meetings with your supervisor over the course of the project. 
• You will also have a presentation seminar with fellow students and academic staff.