Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to:

•       enable students to undertake an in-depth study of a topic within the area of their MA Politics (Research) degree;

•       provide students with the opportunity to engage in a major research exercise that, in scope and scale, significantly exceeds that of their coursework papers;

•       give students experience of selecting and applying intellectual frameworks, undertaking original research and presenting their results in a scholarly fashion;

•       develop skills such as written communication, planning and initiative.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is available to MA Politics (Research) degree students only.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

This module aims to:

•       enable students to undertake an in-depth study of a topic within the area of their MA degree
•       provide students with the opportunity to engage in a major research exercise that, in scope and scale, significantly exceeds that of their coursework papers
•       give students experience of selecting and applying intellectual frameworks, undertaking original research and presenting their results in a scholarly fashion
•       develop skills such as written communication, planning and initiative

Intended Skill Outcomes

Intended skills outcome include:

•       improve ability to find information by using effective research techniques.
•       gain experience in drafting and editing lengthy reports.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will have the support of a supervisor to help them design the project and to be available to offer advice whilst the work is completed.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The proposal encompasses a clear statement of a relevant research topic or question; a brief review of the literature to indicate the contribution this research will make; a research design including a description of the methods to be used in gathering and analysing information; and a proposed chapter outline and timeline. This proposal is linked to the knowledge outcomes with regard to signalling a sufficient knowledge of the field to be able to identify the contribution the research will make as well as a sufficient knowledge of the appropriate theoretical, methodological and disciplinary questions. The proposal also prepares the students to begin to develop the skills described here, particularly their ability to find information using effective research techniques. The dissertation itself is an extended report of the research and findings and, thus, must demonstrate not only the ability to employ effective research techniques, and also to draft and edit a lengthy report, but also elaborate a theoretically and methodologically informed argument that demonstrates breadth and depth of knowledge of the topic of the dissertation.

General Notes

N/A