2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

PIED5777M POLIS MA Dissertation

60 creditsClass Size: 175

Module manager: Dr.Neil Winn
Email: n.winn@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Must have passed sufficient modules to meet requirements of MA programmes

Module replaces

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This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of the module students should be able to:
1) demonstrate the development of a deeper understanding of a particular topic in their field of study through independent research and the preparation of an extended piece of writing;
2) formulate a focused and workable research question;
3) undertake sustained independent research relevant to their research question.
4) develop and demonstrate research skills, including the skills of accessing relevant information from a range of sources; assessing, analysing and criticising information; appraising relevant concepts and theories; presenting and communicating effectively the product of independent research.

Learning outcomes
Deeper understanding of a particular topic in their field.

Skills outcomes
- Research skills, including the skills of accessing relevant information from a range of sources;
- assessing, analysing and criticising information;
- appraising relevant concepts and theories;
- application of appropriate data generation and analysis skills;
- presenting and communicating effectively the product of independent research.

Syllabus

Students will research a topic agreed with supervisors and write a 12,000 word dissertation in respect of it.

In semester 1, students will receive group advice and guidance on dissertation planning (topic-identification, source materials, dissertation-writing).

In semester 2, individual dissertation supervisors will be appointed and students will receive individual advice and guidance on developing their topics.

In semester 3, students will receive individual advice and guidance on specifying their research questions, structuring their dissertations and planning their reading and writing, and feedback on their outlines and drafts (up to mid-July).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	2	1.00	2.00
Tutorial	6	0.50	3.00
Private study hours			595.00
Total Contact hours			5.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Private study

Choice and specification of topic, research questions and chapter structure; Research and selection of reading list; Reading; Critical analysis; Writing 12,000 word dissertation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Dissertation advice latter half of semester 1
- 6 sessions of individual supervision
- Group meeting to establish peer reference group.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	12,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/07/2017

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