Dissertation MSc by Research (South Asian Studies) (P02368)

? Credit Points : 60 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-P02368

The dissertation is an extended piece of independent scholarship. It is the main work in which students demonstrate achievement of crucial learning outcomes for the MSc by Research, drawing upon relevant material covered in the taught element of the degree and through supervision. The dissertation can be up to 15,000 words in length (exclusive of notes, references and appendices).

The nature of a dissertation for the MSc by Research may vary. For students proceeding to a PhD or MPhil, the dissertation will normally take the form of a full research proposal. In this case, it will contain an extended review of the literature, establishing the research questions, plus an extended discussion of the likely research design and any methodological issues. Alternatively, the dissertation may comprise a discrete piece of (usually empirical) research, possibly a pilot study for the eventual doctoral research. The dissertation should normally include an opening section discussing the existing literature in the field and should incorporate research questions, research design and methodology (as appropriate), data/primary source material collection and analysis elements, and conclusions. The dissertation will be expected will be expected to demonstrate a clear focus on a specific topic, a clear and effective prose style, and to follow consistent and appropriate scholarly conventions in matters of referencing.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Science), (School of Social and Political Science, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Contact Teaching Time : 1 hour(s) per week for 40 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should:
- demonstrate the ability to carry out a sustained piece of independent scholarly research, involving project and time management
- demonstrate the ability to frame a coherent set of research questions, to justify these in relation to existing knowledge and theories, and to demonstrate that answering them would constitute an advance on existing knowledge
- achieve a command of existing knowledge in their field of research, through a critical review of relevant literature, engaging with central debates and demonstr