UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Dissertation: Politics (PO998)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Politics and International Relations
3.
Start date of the module
September 2009 (revised version will start in [academic year 2014/2015])
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
60 or above
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
M (FHEQ Level : 7)
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
60 Kent, 30 ECTS credits
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring-Summer terms
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
Progression from Stage I of the MA Programmes
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
MA in European and Global Governance
MA in European and Global Governance (120 ECTS)
MA in Human Rights
MA in Human Rights (120 ECTS)
MA in International Conflict Analysis
MA in International Conflict Analysis (120 ECTS)
MA in Peace and Conflict Studies (International Double Award)
MA in International Relations
MA in International Relations (120 ECTS)
MA in International Relations (International Double Award)
MA in International Relations with International Law
MA in International Relations with International Law (120 ECTS)
MA in International Security and the Politics of Terror
MA in International Security and the Politics of Terror
MA in Comparative Politics
MA in Comparative Politics (120 ECTS)
MA in Security and Terrorism
MA in Security and Terrorism (120 ECTS)
MA in Political Theory and Practices of Resistance
MA in Political Theory and Practices of Resistance (120 ECTS)
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
1: awareness of the difficulties involved in formulating a meaningful and feasible research
question, as well as of the ways of overcoming these difficulties
2: awareness of the need to be methodical and systematic in their studies, and to be critical in
their use of the work done by other political and social scientists
3: familiarity with learning resources in politics and international relations.
4: familiarity with the literature, theories, concepts and methods relevant to their research topic
5: ability to critically engage with political phenomena, including the vocabulary, concepts,
theories and methods of political debate
6: ability to examine and evaluate different interpretations of political issues, events and solutions
to problems
7: ability to describe, evaluate and apply different approaches involved in collecting, analysing
and presenting political information
8: familiarity with the various conventions of academic writing (style, citation, bibliography etc.)
12. The intended generic learning outcomes:
1: being able to work with theoretical knowledge at the forefront of their discipline
2: being aware of the ethical dimensions of the scholarly work done in their discipline in general
as well as of their own work in particular
3: developing a comprehensive understanding of methods and methodologies in their discipline
4: being able to undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge
5: developing a level of conceptual understanding that will allow them to critically evaluate
research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches
6: becoming reflective and self-critical in their research work
7: being able to engage in academic and professional communication
8: developing independent learning ability required for continuing professional study
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This research project forms a major assessed element of the course. The dissertation, which is
maximum 14,000 words in length including citations, must be on a topic relevant to the MA, as
proposed by the individual student and approved by the academic staff. It is conceived as that part of
the degree programme where students have considerable leeway to follow their own particular
interests with guidance from staff. Students are assigned a supervisor upon submission of the
dissertation proposal on the basis according to topic and staff expertise. Supervision of work on the
dissertation is concentrated in the second half of the academic year and a great deal of help is given
to the student. Original research is likely to be rewarded with high grades, but it is not a requirement
at this level.
14. Indicative Reading List
The research reading list will vary according to topic, but the following list is indicative of the list of
general readings offered to students:
Jonathan Biggam, Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: a Step by Step Handbook, Open
University Press, 2011 (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)
Peter Burnham, Karin Gilland, Wyn Grant, and Zig Layton-Henry, Research Methods in Politics,
Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008 (2nd edition)
Gary King, Robert O. Keohane, and Sidney Verba, Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in
Qualitative Research, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1994
Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, The Craft of Research Chicago and
London: The University of Chicago Press, 2008 (3rd 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)
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
Initial lectures: 5 hours
11.1-2, 11.8
The lectures will present various steps students will have to take during their research, including
writing a research proposal and compiling a bibliography, undertaking their individual research
and presenting their project at a Master’s convention. Details regarding ethics procedures and
writing requirements are also provided during these sessions. Students will be offered a training
session and further guidance in preparation for their presentation at the Master’s convention.
Independent study: 588 research and writing hours
11.1-8; 12.1-8
Students spend approximately 40 hours researching and writing their dissertation proposal. The
remaining 548 hours are spent researching and writing the dissertation. Working on their
dissertations, students have to apply and develop the skills and the knowledge acquired during
lectures, workshops and meetings with advisors.
Meetings with Supervisor: 10 hours
11.1-8, 12.1-8
The ‘Academic Advisor’ will help the student to gain momentum in their research. Meetings would
normally be expected to take place on a regular basis, and could be arranged via office hours
and/or via email. The advisor will guide the students towards the relevant (general and
specialised) literature, help with the design of the project and offer subject-specific advice.
Students can also consult the module convenor with technical and organisational questions.
Master’s Convention: 8 hours
11.1-8, 12.1-8
The Student Convention will take place during the Summer term. Students will give presentations,
discuss the presentations of others, and participate in panel discussions
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
The dissertation constitutes 100% of the marks.
Type of
Task
Learning
Weight towards
assessment
outcomes
final mark (%)
assessed
Research
Students write
Especially
0 (unassessed)
Proposal
a proposal of
11.1-11.4,
1500 words
11.8
Progress
Review
Project
Presentation
at Master’s
Convention
Dissertation
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Students fill
out a form
stating their
progress, to
be signed off
by a
supervisor
Students
prepare a 10min
presentation
for peer &
staff review at
Master’s
convention
Students write
a dissertation
of maximum
11.1-8
0 (unassessed)
11.1-8
12.1-8
0 (unassessed)
11.1-8
12.1-8
100
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
14,000 words.
It must be on
a topic
relevant to the
MA, as
proposed by
the individual
student and
approved by
academic
staff.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
No additional resources are required.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered: Canterbury
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
Prof. E.Korosteleva
...30/9/14...........................................
Director of Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
Module Specification Template
Last updated January 2013
Revised Jun 2014
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