Course Catalogue

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MRes Dissertation is an independent written research project, which culminates 2 years of study in MRes in Economics and develops knowledge and expertise in independent research. The specific nature of a project is determined individually for each student, in discussion with their appointed supervisor, and is approved by the Program Director.

This project also serves as a substitute for research proposal if students declare the intention to continue into PhD in Economics at Glasgow.

Independent work. One two-hour initial lecture session in 2nd semester. About 4 to 8 scheduled supervisory meetings with an appointed supervisor are organized before/during the summer.

Entry to this course is restricted to students following the MRes in Economics programme. Please refer to the current postgraduate prospectus at: http://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/

Students need to meet the requirements for progression to the dissertation based on the taught courses of the programme as detailed in the Code of Assessment.

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Dissertation (12,000 - 15,000 words and oral presentation):

Written Assignment:

(Of a nature, individually agreed upon with the supervisor and approved by Program Director), submitted at the end of August or beginning of September.

Oral Presentation:

Following submission of written assignment. 30 minutes (roughly 20 minutes presentation, 10 minutes questions).

The grade for the dissertation as a whole takes into account the ability to present and defend thesis.

The dissertation is a detailed piece of writing that further develops the student's knowledge and expertise in independent research. The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to reflect upon the knowledge acquired during the taught elements of the MRes and to take independent responsibility for the application of learned principles and practices to a particular problem or issue. The dissertation often involves examining a particular topic/question in-depth, with evidence of an ability to undertake sustained critical analysis. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their research/project skills and produce an important piece of written work

The course aims to

■ help students to consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during two years of study at MRes in economics

■ allow students to consolidate their choice of the area of research specialization in economics

■ deepen students' understanding of a chosen area of Economics, ability to critically read and analyse contemporary research literature, and to identify open problems

■ engage students in the real research work at a postgraduate level

■ fully prepare students for start in PhD stage

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in making an independent choice of a research topic and identify the appropriate sources of information

2. critically review, consolidate, extend knowledge presented in related research literature (manuscripts intended for researchers, and current papers in refereed scientific journals)

3. identify, conceptualize, and define open problems where new results are achievable, refine them into well formulated research objectives, and create a plan to achieve those

4. use a significant range of specialized skills, techniques, and practises at the forefront developments of the field to tackle the problem

5. plan and exercise a significant project of research, culminating in preparation of a concise but complete written output presenting their research results

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.