MODULE TITLE : POL3015 Dissertation
MODULE PROVIDER (AOU): Politics
LEVEL: HE3
SUBJECT (3 LETTERS): POL3015
NUMBER OF CREDITS: 40
MODULE CO-ORDINATOR: Dr S Usherwood
MODULE AVAILABILITY: Year Long
ASSESSMENT PATTERN
Unit(s) of Assessment
chapter outline and literature review
Dissertation
(of
10,000 words).
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
20%
approximately 80%
PRE-REQUISITE/CO-REQUISITES
POL1006
POL2008
MODULE OVERVIEW
MODULE AIMS
This MODULE AIMS to:



Give students an opportunity to put into practice some of the research skills they
have developed through relevant modules at Levels 1 and 2 (Introduction to
Study & Research Skills and Research & Evaluation).
Enable students to explore, in an in-depth manner, an area of particular interest
to them within their chosen pathway of study.
Enhance students’ skills at working independently, and managing their time
effectively.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students should be able to:





Formulate succinct and relevant ‘research questions’ or identify a relevant
topic for research.
Select research methods appropriate to their research questions and/or
topic and use these methods effectively.
Critically analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data.
Present research findings in an appropriate format, constructing reasoned
arguments and exercising critical judgement.
Work independently, over a sustained period of time, managing their time
effectively.
Cognitive Skills
 Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a
variety of secondary and some primary sources.
 Construct reasoned argument, synthesize relevant information and
exercise critical judgement.
 Reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of constructive
feedback.
 Manage their own learning self-critically.
 Engage in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary debates.
 Evaluate research material.
Transferable skills
 Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing.
 Use communication and information technology for the retrieval and
presentation of information, including, where appropriate, statistical or
numerical information.
 Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organization and timemanagement.
 Deploy a range of relevant research skills
Practical skills
 Make appropriate use of information and communications technology.
 Manage and manipulate qualitative and/or quantitative data.
 Employ relevant research skills to investigate a politics- or policy-related
area.
 Access relevant politics- and policy-related datasets and be able to
retrieve data from them.
MODULE CONTENT
 Manage their own time effectively
The dissertation gives students an opportunity to engage in an extended piece of
work and to develop, in a detailed manner, their interests from their chosen pathway
of study. The type of dissertation will vary, depending on individual interests, but is
likely to follow one of the following patterns – or a combination of them:


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A piece of empirical research, using the research methods and skills
covered by modules at Levels 1 and 2 of the programme. Students may
conduct primary research on a politics- or policy-related issue (using
methods such as interviews and questionnaires) or secondary research in
a similar area (for example, interrogating a pre-existing data set;
analysing the images and representations used in a recent election
campaign).
An action research project, which aims to bring about change in a politics, policy- or citizenship-related organisation in which the student
works. This would typically be carried out during the professional
placement year, within the placement organisation but in negotiation with
the tutor, could also be conducted in another organisation to which the
student has some connection, if appropriate.
A theoretical piece of work exploring, in considerable depth, one or more
of the issues raised by programme modules. For example, a dissertation
could analyse, in more depth than would be required for individual
modules, the work of one or more political theorists, or theory
development around a particular politics- or policy-related theme.
It should be noted that students will be expected to choose a substantive topic that
fits within their pathway. Students on the generic pathway will not be restrained in
this way.
Students will be expected to submit a chapter outline during the autumn semester, as
well as a literature review during the spring semester. They will receive feedback on
both
pieces OF
andTEACHING/LEARNING
their work will contribute towards their final mark.
METHODS
Independent work, with access to regular one-to-one supervision
SELECTED TEXTS/JOURNALS
Bell, C. & Roberts, H. (1984) Social Researching: Politics, Problems, Practice.
Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (1996) How to Research. Buckingham: Open
University Press.
Bowell, Tracy & Kemp, Gary (2005) Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide, London:
Routledge
Bryman, A. (2001) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bulmer, M. (2004) Sociological Research Methods, 3rd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Dunleavy, P. (1986) Studying for a Degree in the Humanities and Social Sciences,
Basingstoke: Palgrave
Gomm, R. (2003) Social Research Methodology. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
King, R., Keohane, O. & Verba, S. (1994) Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific
Inference in Qualitative Research. Princeton University Press.
May, T. (2001) Social Research. Issues, methods and process, 3rd ed. Buckingham:
Open University Press.
McMillan, K & Weyers, J (2007) How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports,
Harlow, Essex: Pearson
Truman, C. (2004) Social Research and Social Justice. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan