Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3076: Research Design for Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

A range of generic topics will be covered through a mix of interactive lectures and student-led workshops, including:

1. Introduction to the MA dissertation

2. Research design for the MA dissertation

3. Defining the research question

4. Gathering evidence search skills, resources and methods

5. Assembling a bibliography

6. Building an argument case study selection and theoretical lenses

7. Writing a research plan

8. Drafting, completing and submitting the dissertation

You will learn through a combination of four components: Interactive lectures; Peer-led topic workshops (students will work in groups of 15); Independent study and Supervisor input.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	280	0

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

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	12	6 x 2 hour seminars
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	2	4 x 30 minutes supervision meetings
Guided Independent study	200	Researching and writing literature review
Guided Independent study	86	Developing, writing and revising

Online Resources

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