Last modified: 25 Jun 2025 12:16
The dissertation allows students to study the effectiveness of integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the MSc Politics and Public Policy programme to enhance their abilities to analyse and evaluate public policy. As a compulsory element of the degree, the dissertation seeks to assess the impact of the programme's theoretical frameworks and optional courses on students' capacity to engage critically with public policy issues in diverse contexts.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Third Term | Credit Points | 60 credits (30 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Students who meet the necessary requirements may proceed to the dissertation element of the programme. The dissertation comprises a 10,000-12,000-word analysis and evaluation of public policy. The dissertation allows students to bring knowledge and insights from all the taught units to bear on a single topic. The dissertation will attest to thorough and well-organised research, including primary material where appropriate. It will identify and measure central themes and elements of the topic within a coherent framework. The supervisor’s duties comprise assistance in the selection of the topic and general guidance towards sources, arguments, and the overall structure and presentation of the research, but the dissertation is an exercise in student initiative and self-management.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
10,000-12,000-word dissertation. Feedback will be providing within three weeks of submission either in writing, in person, or online. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Create | As a result of this course students will be able to think creatively about research methods and how they are applied. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | As a result of this course students will be able to critically assess what theories and methods are most appropriate to address to specific research questions. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | As a result of this course students will be able to evaluate ideas presented in existing studies and determine their validity and rigour. |
| Conceptual | Understand | As a result of this course the student will develop an advanced understanding of new methodological theories and research methods in the field of public policy. |
| Procedural | Apply | As a result of this course the student will learn how to apply key research methods. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | As a result of this course the student will develop an advanced understanding of new methodological theories and research methods in the field of public policy. |
| Procedural | Apply | As a result of this course the student will learn how to apply key research methods. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | As a result of this course students will be able to critically assess what theories and methods are most appropriate to address to specific research questions. |
| Conceptual | Create | As a result of this course students will be able to think creatively about research methods and how they are applied. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | As a result of this course students will be able to evaluate ideas presented in existing studies and determine their validity and rigour. |
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