MSc candidates write a maximum 9,000 word dissertation on a topic of their own choice. In order to build up their research skills for the dissertation, all students follow the course "Research Methods and Dissertation Training" during term time. The requirements of the dissertation vary slightly between the Centre for Development Studies and the Centre for Economic and Financial Studies.

Research Methods and Dissertation Training course: 20 hours of lectures and in-class lab during Semester One and 16 hours of lectures and in-class lab in Semester Two.

In semester 2 there are also 2hr lab sessions with the software Stata; students are required to attend one x 2hr lab session. Dissertation supervision from May to August.

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A maximum 9,000 word dissertation under the guidance and supervision of an allocated supervisor.

1. To provide training and support that will enable students to research and write a dissertation which fulfils the requirements of the relevant PGT programme.

2. To engage students in independent research and study.

3. To teach students how to construct an argument and maintain it over an extended piece of written work.

4. To allow students to explore a topic of interest in some depth.

5. To enable students to share ideas and experience in developing research proposals and methods.

6. To develop students' oral presentational skills by facilitating group presentations and discussions.

7. To enable students to develop and deploy library and internet skills in literature search and data source identification.

8. To develop students' IT skills including manipulation and presentation of statistical data.

9. To help students develop a clear understanding of various econometric techniques that should be used to analyse different economic, financial, political and social datasets.

10. To analyse actual economic data so as to produce a statistically adequate model;

11. To check the validity of the statistical assumptions underlying the model, using the sample data and revising the model specification as needed;

12. To use the model to obtain reasonably valid statistical test of economic theory and to address a research question.

In completing their dissertation, students should be able to demonstrate an ability to:

■ Undertake a substantial, focused piece of research using research methods and analytical techniques that are appropriate to their programme of study.

■ Research the literature relating to a specific topic or issue relevant to their programme of study, and present a synthesis and critical review of that literature.

■ Identify and formulate hypotheses to be tested or problems to be addressed deriving from their analysis of the literature.

■ Confront these hypotheses or problems by mobilising relevant evidence and analysing it using statistical or other appropriate methods.

■ Evaluate findings and draw out their implications.

■ Present a substantial piece of written work that is clearly motivated and structured, and conforms to the requirements specified in the course documentation with regard to the quality of written work and to presentational features such as length, layout, citations and bibliography.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.