Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project
| Module title | Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | SSIM907 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Chris Playford (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 25 |
|---|
Module description
In consultation with a supervisor, you will undertake an extended piece of original research related to policy analytics and/or evidence-based decision-making in a subject area related to your interests. This may involve a non-academic partner if you choose to complete a dissertation based on a research consultancy based project.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to:
- provide you with an opportunity to conduct independent research-based academic work in the area of policy analytics related to an area in which to pursue further research or their career
- develop your ability to apply originality and data analysis skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic. This may be consultancy or workplace based.
- enhance your awareness of the methodological, ethical and practical concerns of social science and data driven research.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate in depth knowledge of a specialised subject area;
- 2. Design an individual research programme, incorporating appropriate policy analytic methods;
- 3. Collate and analyse subject-specific information from a range of appropriate sources;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources;
- 5. Demonstrate how research fits within policy context and the implications that the research will have for policy practitioners
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Develop cogent arguments;
- 7. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing;
- 8. Undertake an individual research project;
- 9. Manage your own work.
Syllabus plan
1. Research project skills workshops – two sessions to prepare students.
2. At least four supervision meetings: one to discuss the research project plan, followed by three meetings to give academic guidance including specific feedback on draft work.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 594 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 4 | 2 x 2 hour research project skills workshops |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 2 | 4 x 30 minute supervision sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | 594 | A variety of private study tasks directed by module leader. These tasks may include (with an indicative number of hours): Reading (170 hours) Preparing project proposal (24 hours) Collecting and analyzing data (200 hours) Writing and editing the dissertation (200 hours) |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal detailing research or consultancy project | 1500 words | 1-9 | Oral and Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 word research dissertation with figures and tables | 100 | 12,000 words | 1-9 | Written Feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 word research dissertation with figures and tables | 12,000 word research dissertation with figures and tables | 1-9 | December following the release of results in early November. |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Locke, Lawrence F., Waneen Wyrick Spirduso, and Stephen J. Silverman. Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. Sage Publications, 2013.
Oliver, Paul. Writing your thesis. Sage, 2013.
Web based and electronic resources:
http://imai.princeton.edu/software/index.html
UK Data Services - https://www.ukdataservice.ac.uk
NCRM - http://www.ncrm.ac.uk
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 28/11/2016 |
| Last revision date | 19/10/2020 |
