Writing a dissertation is the culmination of your master’s programme. What are the skills you need to do this independent, original research project? You will be guided through the iterative process of developing and refining your dissertation proposal so you will be ready to dedicate yourself to it in the late summer term. Based on your initial ideas, you will be matched with a supervisor to help you refine your research question and identify the relevant literature, research methods and actions you will need to answer it. Lectures and workshops will introduce the main empirical strategies for causal inference. You will learn about identification based on observables, randomized control trials, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables, and regression discontinuity design. You will also use econometric software in the analysis of data and estimations. By the end of the module, you will be able to analyse datasets using these methods and present a refined dissertation proposal that will appropriately apply one or more of these methods to your question.
Lecture 16, PC Labs 16
The module is compulsory for the following courses
MSc Economics
This module is not available as an optional module
Portfolio. Assessment Details: Dissertation Proposals 500 words initial proposal, 1000 words revised proposal worth 50%. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Presentation. Assessment Details: Presentation with PowerPoint 20-30 slides worth 20%.
Test. Assessment Details: Take Home Test 2 hours in a 24 hour window worth 30%.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument. 100% written assessment (take home test, 2 hours in a 24 hour window)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Draw on a systematic understanding and critical awareness of relevant literature, research methods and existing data in order to identify their chosen dissertations topic and how they would need to address it.
2) Critically evaluate rigorous tools of theoretical analysis and empirical modelling in order to select relevant theoretical and/or empirical methods from a wide range of complex techniques for your dissertation.
3) Demonstrate self-direction and originality in producing a road-map outline for a dissertation showing deep and systematic reflection on current debates and practices in economics.
4) consider complex economic relationships using real-life data, estimate state of art models on these data and make predictions and convincing arguments about the relationships in question.
5) Communicate effectively and clearly with specialist and non-specialist audiences by a variety of methods.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
