The Level 5 module prepares students for the Level 6 Dissertation module. First it introduces students to the nature of academic research undertaken in the related disciplines of International Relations, Politics and (Global) History. The wider context of this research as part of the Social Sciences and Humanities is also outlined, and current issues covered such as digitised research resources and the perspective of ‘Decolonising the Curriculum’. The requirements of the Level 6 Dissertation are set out and the relevant research techniques and resources that can be utilised, and the appropriate research ethics procedures. Emphasis is placed on practical tasks for students to identify potential dissertation topics and to work up a dissertation research proposal with potential for work on it over the Summer period. The module also has an employability function with an indication of graduate research related roles in international and political organisations, and for public, civic and independent organisations, and how a final year undergraduate dissertation can be an excellent springboard for these roles, and/or postgraduate study.

First Assignment, Research Contexts discussing the critical selection and application (considering the benefits and drawbacks) of various research methodologies to a variety of potential research projects 1,000 words (30%)
Learning outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding, Communication

Second Assignment Dissertation Research Proposal entails the production of a professional research proposal outlining not only what is to be done in the eventual research but why and how as well as gauging critically the feasibility of the study and presenting a workable plan for the International Relations Project module at Level 6. 2,000 words (70%)
Learning outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving, Application, Communication

Key Information Set Data:
100% Coursework

The module will be delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Blackboard will also be used to support the delivery of the module.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, POLITICS AND HISTORY.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE DISSERTATION TOPICS AND SELECT ONE TO WORK UP AS A DISSERTATION.

Problem Solving

3. DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO FORMULATE A DISSERTATION RESEARCH PROPOSAL TO THE ASSIGNMENT BRIEF, INCLUDING ETHICAL PROCEDURE CONSIDERATION.

Application

4. DEMONSTRATE FOR THE ASSIGNMENTS THE APPROPRIATE USE OF ACADEMIC WRITING AND REFERENCING SKILLS.

Communication

Library books, journals and electronic resources
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Teaching space with digital projection.

Bell, Judith Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers, Open University Press, London, 7th edn. 2018

Bhambra, Gurminder K. & Dalia Gebrial, Dalia & Kerem Nisancioglu, Kerem (eds.) Decolonising the University, Pluto Press, London, 2018

Cottrell, Stella Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide (Macmillan Study Skills) Macmillan, London, 2014

Levin, Peter Excellent Dissertations! (Student-friendly Guides), Open University Press, London, 2nd edn. 2011

O’Leary, Zina The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project, Sage, London, 3rd edn. 2017

http://www.historyandpolicy.org/

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/policy-officer