Unit name | Dissertation |
---|---|
Unit code | POLI31555 |
Credit points | 40 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
Unit director | Professor. Herring |
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 |
The aim of the units is to help students produce an 8,000-10,000-word dissertation. A dissertation is an extended piece of written work that provides an opportunity to identify and investigate a particular question and explore it systematically. In order to do so students are expected to demonstrate research skills and an appreciation of the intellectual challenge of formulating a valid research design. The unit includes a robust and structured supervisory support system that will guide each student during the academic year. The teaching methods are designed to introduce students to a range of research issues including finding an interesting topic, problem definition (stating your puzzle), research design (induction and deduction), reviewing the extant literature, handling theory and evidence (qualitative and quantitative), and drafting, presenting and completing a strong dissertation. The unit also includes a one-day dissertation conference that offers students the opportunity to present their work to their colleagues and their supervisor. The dissertation conference is also an opportunity to learn about other students' work, share best practice and discuss individual experiences of dissertation research. It also provides students with an important opportunity to practice and develop transferable skills in a formal academic conference environment.
Aims:
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities and a large synchronous conference to present student work will be conducted online in TB2.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. POLI31555).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.