This module is not currently running in 2022 to 2023.
This module offers an introduction to writing a postgraduate dissertation, which forms a major assessed element of the Masters programme. The dissertation is on a topic that falls within the scope of each student's MA programme. The purpose of the dissertation is to give students the leeway and time to follow and develop their own particular research interests, while receiving guidance from members of staff. Supervision of work on the dissertation is concentrated in the second half of the academic year (spring-summer). The lecture elements of the module offer a general overview of the components of the dissertation, along with identifying methods and techniques for writing a successful dissertation.
Total contact hours: 8
Private study hours: 592
Total study hours: 600
Presentation at student conference (10%)
Dissertation, 12000 words (90%)
Alexander L. George and Andrew Bennett, Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences, 2005, Cambridge: MIT Press.
Stephen van Evera, Guide to Methods for Students of Political Science, Cornell: Cornell University, 1997.
Alan D. Monroe, Essentials of Political Research. Essentials of Political Science, Boulder, Colo: Westview Press, 2000.
Sandra Halperin and Oliver Heath, Political Research Methods and Practical Skills, Oxford 2017 (2nd edition).
Mark. J. Smith, Social Science in Question, London: Sage, 2003.
Alan Bryman, Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press, 2012 (4th edition).
David Marsh and Gerry Stoker, Theory and Methods in Political Science, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010 (3rd edition).
Stella Cottrell, Dissertation and Project Reports: a Step by Step Guide, Palgrave 2014.
Jonathan Biggam, Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation: a Step by Step Handbook, Open University Press, 2011 (2nd edition).
Kjell Erik Rudestam and Rae R. Newton, Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, London: Sage, 2007 (3rd edition).
Gina Wisker, The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2007 (2nd edition).
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
have a good awareness of the issues involved in formulating a meaningful and feasible research question, as well as of the ways of dealing with these issues.
understand how to work methodically and systematically in their studies, and to adopt a critical perspective in their use of work done by other political and social scientists
have a good familiarity with learning resources in politics and international relations, including primary and secondary sources, and different forms of data and other empirical materials.
be familiar with the literature, theories, concepts and methods relevant to their research topic
critically engage with political phenomena, including the vocabulary, concepts, theories and methods of political debate
examine and evaluate different interpretations of political issues and events and solutions to political problems
describe, evaluate and apply different intellectual approaches in collecting, analysing and presenting political information
have a familiarity with the various conventions of academic writing (style, citation, bibliography etc.)
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