PIM51-Dissertation in Public Policy

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: d.j.marshall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

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 th e 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 11,000-12,000 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- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students are required to submit an 11,000-12,000 word dissertation by an agreed deadline (which under normal circumstances would be in mid-September).

Formative assessment methods:

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

Assessment 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):

1. Required text books:


2. Specialist equipment or materials:


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:


4. 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.


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification:


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 1 June 2020