PO3DIS-Dissertation

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PO2SOP The Study of Politics or HS2HAD Historical Approaches and My Dissertation
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Adam Humphreys
Email: a.r.humphreys@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Students prepare an independent, research-based dissertation of 8,000-10,000 words on a topic in Politics and International Relations (broadly understood), chosen in consultation with advisers within the Department of Politics and International Relations.  This piece of work represents the culmination of three years of progressively more independent study.

Aims:

The purpose of the module is to hone the research and writing skills of students to the degree that they are capable of successfully undertaking major research projects and to enable them to undertake a major research project of their own choice.

Assessable learning outcomes:
The student will be expected to demonstrate the ability to absorb a range of relevant literature and to marshal a range of evidence in the construction of a coherent and persuasive discussion of the chosen topic.

Additional outcomes:
Students will have gained experience in the preparation and conduct of independent research.

Outline content:

The module is designed to support students in the conduct of independent research and the writing of a dissertation.  Lecture content will cover topics such as constructing a dissertation; literature reviews; methodology; conducting research; and writing up.  This will be complemented by specialist workshops on the implementation of particular research methods and by one-to-one supervisory support, the content of which will depend on the topic chosen by each student and their individual needs.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching on the module will be delivered principally via (i) one-to-one supervision, (ii) plenary lectures, and (iii) methods workshops.  In addition, during the Autumn term students will attend and participate in a compulsory mini-conference, which includes giving a presentation to a small group (counting for 10% of the final module mark).

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Dissertation 8,000-10,000 words: 90%


• Presentation of research proposal at a mini-conference: 10% 

Formative assessment methods:

At the student's request, supervisors will read and comment on a single draft chapter (of up to 2000 words).

Penalties for late submission:

Failure to attend the mini-conference and/or to deliver a presentation (unless an ECF has been approved) will result in a mark of 0 being awarded for the presentation.

For the dissertation, 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, except that as the dissertation has a credit-weighting of more than 30 credits, when it is submitted up to five working days after the deadline, the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below 40%


• 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: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/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:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Candidates who fail their final year normally have the right to be re-examined on one further occasion at the next opportunity. These candidates will not normally be eligible for Honours (ie., only a ‘Pass’ classification would be attainable).

Coursework: Failed or missing dissertations should be re-submitted within the published summer resit period. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023