Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM013M: MPA Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

1. To provide students with an opportunity to conduct independent research-based academic work in the area of Public Administration or in the sub-discipline in which they wish to pursue further research or their career 
2. To develop students' ability to apply originality and analytical skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic. This may be workplace based. 
3. To enhance students awareness of the methodological, ethical and practical concerns of social science research in the field of public administration and specific examples of public sector management

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;
2. Design an individual research programme, incorporating appropriate social science research 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. Develop cogent argument;
6. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing;
Personal and Key Skills7. Undertake an individual research project;
8. Use IT for information retrieval and presentation; and
9. Manage own work.