University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002)                   

 

Code:   UPEN49-60-M               Title:    Dissertation                               Version: 1       

 

Level:  M                                 UWE credit rating:   60 credits              ECTS credit rating: 30

 

Module type:   Project

 

Owning Faculty: HLSS             Field:   Economics                   

                                   

Valid from:       September 2004                        Discontinued from:

 

Pre-requisites:                         none

 

Co-requisites:               Econometric Theory I

                                                Econometrics I

                                                Research Methods I

 

Excluded combinations:          none

 

Learning outcomes:

 

The dissertation provides the student with the opportunity to work under supervision to produce a research project of Masters standard. As a result of preparing the dissertation, students should be able to:

·         Define a feasible and clear area of research and formulate and a research project appropriate to the Masters programme (Component A)

·         Critically review, evaluate and show an in depth knowledge of the relevant literature (Component A)

·         Choose, use and show an advanced understanding of relevant research methods (Component A)

·         Show familiarity with appropriate theoretical explanations of the observed phenomena (Component A)

·         Show independent and critical thought (Component A)

·         Produce a well structured, well argued,  well presented and innovative piece of written work (Component A)

 

 

Syllabus outline:

 

·         Production of a preliminary research proposal and the development of this under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. The topic will normally bear a clear relation to the students’ chosen path.

·         Production of a critical literature review under the guidance of the supervisor.

·         Undertaking planned research to an advanced level under the guidance of the supervisor.

·         Production of a written dissertation 

 

 

Teaching and learning methods:

 

Students will produce a draft research proposal in discussion with the module co-ordinator and will be assigned supervisors. Student and supervisor will then have one-to-one supervisory meetings.

 

Indicative sources:

 

·         Allan, G and Skinner, C (eds) Handbook for Research Students in the Social Sciences, 1991.

·         Bell, Judith, Doing Your Research Project, 2nd ed, 1999, OU Press.

·         Daniel Dorling and Stephen Simpson (eds) (1999) “Statistics in Society”, Arnold

·         Intriligator, M, Bodlin, R and C Hsaio “Econmetric Models, Techniques and Applications” Prentice Hall, Prentice Hall, 1996. In particular chapter on doing an applied econometrics project.

·         Teitelbaum, Harry, How to Write a thesis, 3rd ed, 1998, Petersons.

·         Examples of previous MA dissertations can be found in the library

·         Various useful links to data and resources are available through the LTSN website. In particular: http://www.economics.ltsn.ac.uk/links/sources.htm

 

Assessment

 

Weighting between components A and B                                                          A: 100%

 

ATTEMPT 1

 

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A                                                                                       Element Weighting

1.  Dissertation                                                                                                  100%

 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

 

Component A                                                                                       Element Weighting 

1.  Dissertation                                                                                                  100%

 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT    N/A

 

 

Specification confirmed by  …………………………………………………

 

Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)