Unit information: MRes in Economics - Dissertation in 2018/19

Unit name	MRes in Economics - Dissertation
Unit code	EFIMM0025
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Giovannoni
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Economics
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The dissertation is an extended report of an independent study that identifies and investigates a particular question and explores it systematically over a sustained period of time. The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to read extensively and apply research skills acquired in taught units to a chosen area of study in Economics. Student learning is supported by regular individual supervision sessions, although the expectation is that the dissertation is primarily an individual piece of work.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the dissertation, students will demonstrate ability to:

• frame a clear, central research question;
• identify and critically review literature relevant to the topic and central research question;
• understand and apply an appropriate research methodology to investigate the chosen topic;
• analyse data and/or evidence, where appropriate, and draw apposite conclusions that answer the central research question;
• integrate conclusions into wider academic debates;
• produce a dissertation in a clear, well-written and grammatically-correct style, that conforms to the conventions of academic presentation;

Use project management skills including working independently, managing time, working to deadlin

Teaching Information

There will be five hours of supervision with a dissertation supervisor. Supervisor responsibilities include guidance on aspects of the dissertation preparation (including a specific discussion on research ethics approval, where appropriate), checking and helping with formal arguments and theoretical models, data collection, analysis and conclusions as applicable.

Contact Hours Per Week One contact hour every two weeks

Student Input

5 hours of supervision

20 hours of preparation for supervision

575 hours of independent study

Assessment Information

Summative assessment: the student will produce a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. The dissertation will assess students’ ability to meet the learning outcomes. The dissertation will also assess students’ ability to produce a substantial piece of work independently and by a deadline, and which conforms to the conventions of academic presentation.

Formative assessment: Supervisors will read and provide feedback on one full draft of the dissertation (either complete or by chapter). Provided the draft is submitted within guidelines, the supervisor will respond with feedback within 14 days. Feedback should provide detail on the requirements for improvement.

Reading and References

Reading and references will depend on the dissertation topic.