Primary tabs
Teaching
The course consists of lectures, seminars, methods practicals, a dissertation residential and a research dissertation. The dissertation residential consists of an intense few days of individual and group learning, focused on developing the dissertation proposal, poster and oral presentations. A 15,000-word dissertation requires students to identify, design and independently execute a small, empirically-grounded research study related to the course. Students will be supervised through the process from initial question identification through to the design and execution of research.
| One to one supervision | Students will have two half hour individual supervisions during each of Michaelmas and Lent Terms and up to hours of one-to-one supervision in Easter Term for their dissertation. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes | In Michaelmas and Lent students will have between 6 and 8 hours of seminar classes per term, ie small group learning, often self-directed but always with a tutor present; encouraging peer-to-peer learning. |
| Lectures | Students will receive between 4 and 6 hours of formal lectures per week during Michaelmas and Lent Terms, introducing substantive subject material (eg key theories, concepts, case studies, controversies). |
| Practicals | Social science research methods courses consisting of lectures, workshops and practicals. This comprises between 6 and 8 two-hour learning sessions in the first term and optional learning sessions in the second term. Prior to the beginning of a term, students complete an online skill check to determine the modules best suited to their individual skills levels. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students will participate in an intense few days of individual and group learning in the dissertation residential, focused on developing their dissertation proposal and poster and oral presentations. |
Feedback
Students will receive written and oral feedback on a formative essay submitted during Michaelmas Term. They will receive written feedback on their examination answers, their assessed coursework essay and on their dissertation. Students receive written termly progress reports.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A dissertation proposal, an oral presentation and a 15,000-word dissertation. An oral examination will take place at the discretion of the examiners.
Essays
One essay of up to 4,000 words.
Written examination
One 2-hour written examination.
Practical assessment
Satisfactory completion of research methods courses.