Your dissertation is a piece of original and supervised research on a topic relating to some aspect of your field of study. The dissertation should include...

Your dissertation is a piece of original and supervised research on a topic relating to some aspect of your field of study. The dissertation should include both critical engagement with the literature and, where relevant, extant (policy) debates in the chosen area, and a significant element of original research and independent analysis.

In preparing your dissertation, you will:

identify a specific research topic and question;
	define and specify the methods by which you will research this question;
	identify and analyse current literature on this question, and critically assess arguments and evidence from this literature;
	make use of arguments, concepts, evidence and methods of analysis taught in your programme’s component modules;
	clearly and rigorously write-up your argument and conclusions.
The objective is for you to learn and develop your skills in:

planning and organising your research and working to a deadline;
	writing at a specified length and for a specific purpose and audience;
	assessing and evaluating critically the contributions made by existing research or policy analysis in the chosen field;
	utilising the concepts and methods taught in your programme, in the analysis of a concrete issue or problem;
	approaching and conducting original research;
	communicating clearly and effectively.

Individual research project|Research design|Research methods

Your dissertation is a piece of original and supervised research on a topic of personal interest to you, and relating to some aspect of your field of study....

Your dissertation is a piece of original and supervised research on a topic of personal interest to you, and relating to some aspect of your field of study. 

The dissertation should include both critical engagement with the literature, and a significant element of original research and independent analysis. In carrying out this piece of work, you will identify a topic and a question; make use of arguments, concepts, evidence and methods of analysis taught in your programme’s component modules; and clearly and rigorously write up your argument and conclusions.

The dissertation module - POLS0086 - exists to support you on this process. It covers topics such as: 

· how to plan and organise your research, working to a deadline;

· how to write at a specified length and for a specific purpose and audience;

· how to assess and evaluate critically the contributions made by existing research or policy analysis (where relevant) in the chosen field;

· how to make use of the concepts and methods taught in your programme, in the analysis of a concrete issue or problem;

· how to approach and conduct original research;

· how to communicate clearly.