PIM91-Dissertation in Public Policy
Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and Internat Studs
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Prof Giovanni Razzu
Email: g.razzu@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
To provide students with an opportunity to analyse in some depth a specific topic within the realm of their studies on public policy; to display the ability to carry out primary and secondary research.
Aims:
The aims of the dissertation are to:
- develop students’ capacity for independent research and critical analysis;
- deepen their knowledge of a specialised topic within their programme of study;
- develop their ability to write an extended piece of analysis.
Assessable learning outcomes:
The student will demonstrate their learning outcomes by:
• formulating a relevant, coherent and clearly defined research project;
• analysing complex issues in a critical fashion;
• generating sources of information and ideas;
• collecting appropriate data;
• providing a systematic, objective and carefully structured analysis of the information collected;
• drawing relevant conclusions from the analysis and relating these to the existing literature.
Additional outcomes:
Students will develop the ability to work on their own initiative and learn to organise their work on a longer term project within a tight schedule. The dissertation will also offer the ability to demonstrate originality in the chosen research sphere.
Outline content:
A supervised though largely independent research project of 8,000 words on a subject arising out of the student’s programme of study in public policy.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Tutorial supervision.
Summative Assessment Methods:
Method |
Percentage |
Dissertation |
100 |
Other information on summative assessment:
Students are required to submit a 8,000 words dissertation by an agreed deadline (which under normal circumstances would be in mid-September).
Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx
Requirements for a pass:
50% overall module mark
Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment arrangements: Re-submission of the dissertation by an agreed deadline.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
Printing and binding: 2 bound copies including printing from Mailbox in the Student Union is approximately £30. A less expensive option is home printing then securely bound in a soft PVC clear fronted punched pocket or clip presentation file which are available from stationery shops for approximately £5 for two.
Last updated: 22 September 2017