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Dissertation

Module description

The dissertation module will equip you with a detailed knowledge of one particular topic within the discipline. You will gain an ability to design and carry out independent research – with the support and supervision of a member of academic staff. Each dissertation is a unique research project shaped by your own research interests and ideas, yet also compliant with the standards or rigour and validity of academic research. This means that there is both an art and a skill to writing a dissertation, which makes the process both challenging and rewarding.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to equip you with necessary knowledge and skills to conduct research on the research question of your choice resulting in a dissertation within one of the areas of politics, including political science, or political theory, or political philosophy, or International Relations. It is taught by using a series of dissertation skills sessions that introduce you how to design, research for and write up your dissertation; by drawing upon one-to-one supervision meetings working with one of the members of staff, and most importantly, based on your independent research.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. develop your own research project, the terms of which must be approved by a member of academic staff.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 2. analyse a subject in the field of politics in great detail;
• 3. engage in primary and/or secondary data analysis using appropriate research design, and robust and ethical approach to data collection and analysis to address chosen research question(s). Engage in primary research of political material;
• 4. demonstrate detailed knowledge of the appropriate literatures and ability to place your own research within the field;
• 5. demonstrate a high standard of academic writing, presentation and structuring a substantive research project.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. organise your own time over the two terms;
• 7. manage and plan work time over a lengthy period.

Syllabus plan

Dissertation skills sessions are delivered by the module coordinator, in collaboration with other members of academic staff where necessary – supported by the content of the ELE module page. These sessions will cover basics of research design and methodology, key aspects of ethical review and tips on dissertation writing.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

This will depend on the subject studied.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Regardless of what topic you choose the following books will help you plan, research and execute your dissertation:

Judith Burnett, Doing your Social Science Dissertation (SAGE, 2009)

Bryan Greetham, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation (Palgrave 2014)

Kate Williams, Planning Your Dissertation (Pocket Study Skills, 2013)

Nicholas William, Your Undergraduate Dissertation (SAGE, 2013)

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1532
• Project Planner – http://methods.sagepub.com/project-planner
• Methods Map – http://methods.sagepub.com/methods-map

Key words search

Politics Dissertation