Dissertation

Module Code: SO7020

ECTS Credit : 30
Mandatory/ Optional : Mandatory

Module Aim and Learning Outcomes:

The dissertation aims to develop students’ research and writing skills and form a base for specialist research in the areas of Race, Ethnicity, Conflict. Upon completion, students should be able to work as social researchers in this field and, in many cases, publish versions of their dissertations in peer-reviewed journals and edited collections.

Delivery:

Each student is allocated a supervisor from among the Departmental and MPhil teaching staff. Dissertations can be library based or based on empirical research but they must consist of an independent, original piece of research. Students are encouraged to select a research method they are comfortable with. Titles are submitted via the course coordinator by week 6 of the Hilary Term. Supervisors are allocated by the end of the Hilary Term and students are expected to work closely with their supervisors. During the final section of the research methods module, students will be asked to make short presentations to help them formulate their proposals and receive feedback from their peers.

Assessment:

The dissertations are graded by two members of staff (one of whom is the supervisor) independently of each other. The final decision rests with the external examiner. Students whose dissertations do not meet the minimum pass standard may have the opportunity to re-submit in accordance with College procedures as outlined in the Calendar for Graduate Studies and Higher Degrees. The maximum grade for a re-submission is a pass grade (ie 40%). Following consultation with the Course Co-ordinator, students who fail to pass the dissertation may opt or be advised to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Race, Ethnicity and Conflict provided that they have reached the required standards as set out in the Calendar for Graduate Studies and Higher Degrees.

Full Dissertation Guidelines can be found in the MPhil Handbook