Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3076: Research Design for Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

A range of generic topics will be covered through a mix of interactive lectures and student-led workshops, including:

1. Introduction to the MA dissertation

2. Research design for the MA dissertation

3. Defining the research question

4. Gathering evidence search skills, resources and methods

5. Assembling a bibliography

6. Building an argument case study selection and theoretical lenses

7. Writing a research plan

8. Drafting, completing and submitting the dissertation

You will learn through a combination of four components: Interactive lectures; Peer-led topic workshops (students will work in groups of 15); Independent study and Supervisor input.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
202800

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities168 x 2 hour seminars
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities24 x 30 minutes supervision meetings
Guided Independent study200Researching and writing literature review
Guided Independent study82Developing, writing and revising

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).