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Applied Security Strategy Dissertation

Module description

This module will allow you to research and analyse a case study or issue and come to reasoned conclusions and recommendations. The process will help you to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a highly specialised subject, a critical understanding of research methods and the ability to apply research and project management skills in practice. The module aims to provide a context in which to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills that have been developed through the taught modules of the MStrat.

Module aims - intentions of the module

• To equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to design and implement a sustained independent piece of research-enriched learning at Masters level.
• To provide you with an opportunity to conduct independent research-based academic work in the area of applied strategy or in the sub-discipline in which you wish to pursue further research or your career.
• To develop your ability to demonstrate originality and apply analytical skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic. This may be workplace based / inspired.
• To enhance your awareness of the methodological, ethical and practical concerns of research in the field of applied security strategy.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. describe in detail a specialised subject area pertaining to applied strategic studies;
• 2. design an individual research project / programme, incorporating appropriate social science research methods, to analyse an aspect of applied strategic studies;
• 3. evidence a systematic and critical understanding of relevant literature and theoretical frameworks;
• 4. criticise alternative research methodologies and defend the particular approach you have taken;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. assimilate and critically analyse data / evidence on applied security strategy from an appropriate range of sources
• 6. communicate complex information and ideas in the field of applied security strategy effectively orally and in writing
• 7. utilise your independent research skills, including use of the library; relevant information databases; primary research if applicable, to formulate a well-reasoned, articulate analysis of some aspect of applied security strategy;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. evaluate evidence and options and make reasoned judgments and choices, often in the absence of complete data/information;
• 9. take responsibility for the direction and management of an independent and original research project from conception through to completion and submission;
• 10. demonstrate a high standard of written presentation, adhering to academic conventions for writing and referencing.

Syllabus plan

A range of generic and more specific topics to prepare students for completing their dissertation will be covered through a mix of interactive lectures and student-led workshops including:

• The academic requirements of a dissertation
• Research design for the MStrat applied security strategy dissertation
• Defining a research question for analyses in applied security strategy
• Gathering evidence - research skills, resources and methods
• Systematic and critical literature reviews and assembling a bibliography
• Building an argument - case study selection and theoretical lenses
• Writing a research plan
• Drafting, completing and submitting the dissertation

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

• Burnham, P.,Gill and,K.,Grant, W.and Layton-Henry,Z.(2004) Research Methods in Politics Palgrave MacMillan.
• Burton, D.(ed)(2000) Research Training for Social Scientists SAGE.
• Dunleavy, P.(2003) Authoring a PhD. Palgrave MacMillan.
• Harrison, L. (2001) Political Research: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Hart, C., (2004) Doing Your Masters Dissertation. SAGE.
• Hay, C. (2002) Political Analysis: An Introduction Palgrave MacMillan.
• King, G, Keohane, R.O.and Verba,S. (1994) Designing Social Inquiry Princeton University Press.
• Marsh, D.and Stoker, G.(eds)(2002) Theory and Methods in Political Science 2nd edition Palgrave MacMillan.
• Silbergh, D.M. (2001) Doing Dissertations in Politics Routledge.
• Silverman, D. (ed) (2004) Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice SAGE.
• Turabian, K. (1996) A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations Chicago,IL: University of Chicago Press.
• Wisker, G. (2001) The Postgraduate Research Handbook Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Key words search

Dissertation, research skills