PIM91-Dissertation in Public Policy

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr David Marshall
Email: d.j.marshall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To provide students with an opportunity to analyse in some depth a specific topic within the realm of their studies on public policy; to display the ability to carry out primary and secondary research.

Aims:

The aims of the dissertation are to:

• develop students’ capacity for independent research and critical analysis;


• deepen their knowledge of a specialised topic within their programme of study;


• develop their ability to write an extended piece of analysis.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The student will demonstrate their learning outcomes by:

• formulating a relevant, coherent and clearly defined research project;


• analysing complex issues in a critical fashion;


• generating sources of information and ideas;


• collecting appropriate data;


• providing a systematic, objective and carefully structured analysis of the information collected;


• drawing relevant conclusions from the analysis and relating these to the existing literature.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop the ability to work on their own initiative and learn to organise their work on a longer term project within a tight schedule. The dissertation will also offer the ability to demonstrate originality in the chosen research sphere.

Outline content:

A supervised though largely independent research project of 8,500 words on a subject arising out of the student’s programme of study in public policy.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Tutorial supervision.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Supervised time in studio/workshop	2	2	2
Guided independent study:	30	40	324
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	32	42	326
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students are required to submit an 8,500 words dissertation by an agreed deadline (which under normal circumstances would be in early-September).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall module mark

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements: Re-submission of the dissertation by an agreed deadline.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Printing and binding: 2 bound copies including printing from Mailbox in the Student Union is approximately £30. A less expensive option is home printing then securely bound in a soft PVC clear fronted punched pocket or clip presentation file which are available from stationery shops for approximately £5 for two.

Last updated: 30 March 2023