PIM12-Dissertation

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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Alan Cromartie
Email: a.d.t.cromartie@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
To develop students' capacity for independent research and critical analysis; to deepen their knowledge of a specialised topic within their programme of study; to develop their ability to write an extended piece of analysis; to develop their ability to generate and complete an extended piece of research.

Aims:
To develop students' capacity for independent research and critical analysis; to deepen their knowledge of a specialised topic within their programme of study; to develop their ability to write an extended piece of analysis; to develop their ability to generate and complete an extended piece of research.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Heightened ability to analyse complex issues in a critical fashion; heightened ability to generate sources of information and ideas; heightened ability to express oneself clearly in writing; heightened ability to generate and complete an extensive study project.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

A supervised though largely independent research project of 13,000-15,000 words, including footnotes and references, but excluding bibliography on a subject arising from the student's programme of study. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Tutorial supervision

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	2	2	3
Guided independent study:	48	48	497
Total hours by term	50	50	500
Total hours for module	600

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Dissertation 13,000 to 15,000 words.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-sit examinations take place in August/September of the same year, or in April/May of the following year.

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 £35. 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: 30 March 2023