GI7P08 - Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy Dissertation and Research Methods (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy Dissertation and Research Methods | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 600 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module enables students to develop the skills necessary to conduct independent research and produce a dissertation at postgraduate level. Through bespoke research workshops, it provides them with a detailed introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods, the knowledge to design and carry out their independent research projects, and the ability to write a 15,000-word dissertation. The workshops are complemented by students working individually with assigned supervisors.
This module aims to:
• Provide students with a thorough grounding in appropriate social scientific research methods
• Allow students the opportunity to engage in a major piece of independent research in Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy
• Enable students to apply the knowledge and analytical techniques they have gained from studying Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy to a topic of their choice
• Develop their research, analytical and time-management skills
• Apply and develop their skills in writing up their findings in dissertation form
Prior learning requirements
None
Syllabus
For the taught element of this module:
Students will receive guidance in topic selection and research investigation in bespoke research workshops, and personal tutorials with their supervisor (1,2,3,4,5,6)
The lectures/workshops will provide assistance in areas including choosing research topics, the selection of appropriate research methods, undertaking research, examining sources, working with a supervisor, writing and presenting a dissertation, referencing and avoiding plagiarism (1,2,3,4,5,6)
In bespoke research workshops students will explore:
The fundamentals of social science research
Developing research questions and anchoring them in existing literature
Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative methods (introductory)
Data analysis and writing up findings
Writing a research proposal
These sessions will be complemented with more advanced learning resources available for PG taught students in SSSP (podcasts on research ethics, Qualitative interviewing, Focus groups, Designing surveys, Conducting evidence reviews etc). Students will engage with these materials as appropriate for their research questions and research design.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students enrol on this module for the whole year. They are given a detailed course handbook offering advice on the planning and carrying out of their research for the dissertation.
Students are prepared for their dissertation work through the lecture/workshop classes in the first semester enrolled on the module. There will be 6 bespoke research workshops throughout the first semester. Following this students will need to draft a research proposal that they will then discuss and refine with their allocated supervisors.
They are then allocated a tutor with whom they will meet regularly in order to receive feedback and guidance as their work progresses. Reflective learning is an integral part of the student-supervisor relationship.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
1. Understand and apply relevant social scientific research methods
2. Formulate a significant research question and write a research proposal
3. Conduct systematic research to answer their research question
4. Evaluate critically relevant sources and evidence sources
5. Reference their work thoroughly, using a consistent referencing system
6. Produce a dissertation that is written, argued and structured rigorously, to expected postgraduate standards
Assessment strategy
Assessment is based on the following elements:
1. Research proposal – Students must produce a research proposal (1,000 words) that outlines their main research question, locates the question in broader academic literature and theoretical debates, outlines the research design and methods (with justification), as well as the expected contribution of their research, and presents a timeline for the research.
2. Students must produce a dissertation of 15,000 words, which will be assessed in line with the learning outcomes above, accounting for 80% of the final grade.