Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM876: Dissertation Skills

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:


1. Elements of a research proposal

2. Devising a research question

3. Planning and writing a literature review

4. Deciding on your approach/methodology

5. Workshopping your ideas

6. Refining the proposal

7. The writing process

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
141360

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities147 x 2 hour lectures
Guided independent study40reading in preparation for the lectures
Guided independent study16web-based research
Guided independent study80writing of research proposal and literature review

Online Resources

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

http://www.ex.ac.uk/gradschool/skill_sessions_descript.htm