Introductory description

The PAIS dissertation is intended to provide students with a structured opportunity for independent learning, which enables and in-depth explore of a topic within politics and international studies. Students choose their own topics based on areas of particular interest and to extend their research, analytical, and writing skills. This is a largely independent, year-long research project with supervision by a member of academic staff.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The dissertation is a largely independent, year-long research project with supervision by a member of academic staff.

Students can expect to consult with their supervisor 5 times during the year.
Meeting one: initial discussion of research topic
Meeting two: agree a final dissertation title
Meeting three: consider outline dissertation plan
Meeting four: consider draft written work of 2,500 words
Meeting five: consider a revised outline dissertation plan

The module also features 4 important lectures and training sessions
Lecture 1: Starting a Dissertation
Lecture 2: Finding Materials For Your Dissertation
Lecture 3: Researching a Dissertation: Archives and Press Material
Lecture 4: Writing and Completing a Dissertation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• to present a research project in a logically-structured manner
• to develop a research question that can be effectively answered with a sustained argument within the confines of the word limit and available resources
• to use appropriate evidence from a variety of sources to support a sustained argument
• to develop the scholarly tools of appropriate citation of sources and to work independently to a strict deadline
• to collect and evaluate research material from a variety of sources

Research element

Students on the PAIS dissertation take up original research projects that they complete as a largely independent study under the supervision of a PAIS member of academic staff.

Subject specific skills

Develop a research question in Politics and International Studies
Present a Politics and International Studies research project in a logically-structured manner
Collect and evaluate research material relevant to Politics and International Studies from a variety of sources
Utilise appropriate evidence from those sources to support a sustained argument
Develop the scholarly tools of appropriate citation of sources for work in the discipline of Politics and International Studies

Transferable skills

Research design skills
Analytical skills
Independent and critical thinking
Cogent writing and considered dialogue
Intercultural awareness
Written communication skills
Skills in academic practice
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
Educational self-awareness skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas