Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSIM906: Quantitative Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

To enable you to write an extended piece of independent writing, around a topic of your own choosing using some of the quantitative data-analytic tools you became acquainted with during the programme (e.g., methods for causal inference, Bayesian econometrics, network analysis, text-mining and analysis techniques), in communication with key experts in your chosen area. It will allow you to demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge in a particular subject area of professional or intellectual interest. The dissertation will be a mark of your ability to express yourself in writing.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate knowledge in depth of a specialised subject area (may include a specific statistical technique)
2. Design an individual research programme, incorporating appropriate quantitative social science research methods
3. Collate and analyse primary or secondary data related to a subject discipline from appropriate sources.
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources, from primary or secondary data sets
5. Develop cogent argument and apply appropriate statistical techniques
6. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing.
Personal and Key Skills7. Use IT for information retrieval and presentation.
8. Manage own work

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

At least four supervision meetings per term.  There is an initial meeting to plan the dissertation followed by three meetings to give academic guidance including specific feedback on draft work. 

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
84420

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities84 x 2hour supervision meetings
Guided Independent Study135Reading the relevant substantive literature to be able to write your dissertation on your chosen topic
Guided Independent Study135Reflecting on an drafting your research design and methodological approach
Guided independent study90Gathering data for preliminary analyses
Guided independent study82Acquiring additional experience with software and computing tools required to conduct your research

Online Resources

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