University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2005)

Code: UPPN5P-60-M Title: Dissertation in Peace and Conflict Studies Version: 1

Level: M UWE credit rating: 60 ECTS credit rating: 30

Module type: project

Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Politics Field Leader: Dr. Dean McSweeney

Valid from: Sept., 2008 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: MA in Peace and Conflict Studies

Pre-requisites: UPPN5L-30-M Foundations of Peace Studies and UPPN5M-30-M Foundations of Conflict Studies

Co-requisites: none

Excluded combinations: none

Learning outcomes: On completion of the module students will be able to:

    1) define an appropriate area of research and frame relevant research question (A)

    2) initiate and conduct bibliographical research (A)

    3) analyze and critique issues relevant to the field of peace and conflict studies (A)

    4) use appropriate methodologies for chosen area of research (A)

    5) organise research activity into manageable stages and complete within specified time-scale (A)

    6) structure, write and reference an extended piece of research that reaches the required academic standards (A).

Syllabus outline: This will vary according to research topic chosen and developed.

Teaching and learning methods: At the start of the module, students will have two taught sessions dedicated to enhancing skills for dissertation development and research. Each student will also be allocated an individual supervisor who will oversee the dissertation process from the point of proposal, through the research development, to the submission of draft chapters. This will be achieved through regular one-to-one tutorials for a period of twelve weeks leading up to the first assessment. Thereafter the supervisor will provide written feedback on dissertation chapter drafts submitted by the student with the available option for additional one-to-one meetings.

Reading Strategy: All students are encouraged to use of both hard-copy and electronic resources available through the university. These include electronic journals and e-books, as well as a wide variety of resources available through web sites and electronic databases. The University Library’s web pages provide access to relevant resources and services, as well as the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Any required readings and recommended readings will be specified, along with methods for accessing them. (i.e. by purchase, online, through the university library, and/or through provision by a supervisor or module leader) by individual dissertation supervisors.

Indicative Reading List: required and recommended readings will vary depending on dissertation topic and be guided by individual supervisors.

Assessment

This is a project module with only one component of assessment.

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A (Controlled conditions) & element weighting

1. Research proposal (2000 words) 20%

2. Completed dissertation (15,000 words) 80%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element & element weighting

1. Complete dissertation (15,000 words) 100%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Not permitted

Specification confirmed by ……Approved at VARC meeting………Date …14/05/08……………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

Back to top