Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SSIM907: Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project

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

Module Aims

This module aims to:

  1. provide you with an opportunity to conduct independent research-based academic work in the area of policy analytics related to an area in which to pursue further research or their career 
  2. develop your ability to apply originality and data analysis skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic. This may be consultancy or workplace based. 
  3. enhance your awareness of the methodological, ethical and practical concerns of social science and data driven research.

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 in depth knowledge of a specialised subject area;
2. Design an individual research programme, incorporating appropriate policy analytic methods;
3. Collate and analyse subject-specific information from a range of appropriate sources;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources;
5. Demonstrate how research fits within policy context and the implications that the research will have for policy practitioners
Personal and Key Skills6. Develop cogent arguments;
7. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing;
8. Undertake an individual research project;
9. Manage your own work.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

1. Research project skills workshops – two sessions to prepare students. 
2. At least four supervision meetings: one to discuss the research project plan, 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
65940

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities42 x 2 hour research project skills workshops
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities24 x 30 minute supervision sessions
Guided Independent Study594A variety of private study tasks directed by module leader. These tasks may include (with an indicative number of hours): • Reading (170 hours) • Preparing project proposal (24 hours) • Collecting and analyzing data (200 hours) • Writing and editing the dissertation (200 hours)

Online Resources

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