Course Catalogue

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The Industry Project is an independent applied research project up to 8,000 words (±10%) undertaken within the student's chosen programme. It enables students to apply the knowledge and research skills developed throughout their studies to investigate a real-world organisational or industry challenge using appropriate research methods, and to communicate evidence-based findings and recommendations through a professional report and oral presentation.

The course runs over 13 weeks from May to August, comprising one induction session followed by 12 weeks for project completion.

Prior to the start of the course, students attend a briefing session covering the project, project identification, and the application process. They also complete the Research Methods and Dissertation Training course, comprising 20 hours of lectures and laboratory classes in Semester 1 and 16 hours in Semester 2. In addition, students attend one 2-hour Stata laboratory session in Semester 2.

For students on the MSc in Data Analytics for Economics and Finance programme, where equivalent research methods and analytical training are already embedded within the curriculum, this course serves as a supplementary learning resource. For students on the other programmes listed in Table 10, it provides structured preparation for undertaking the industry project.

During the project, students undertake 20 hours of work-based learning through regular engagement with an external partner and receive 5 hours of academic supervision from an allocated supervisor.

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

ECON5XXXX Dissertation

None

 A report of 8,000 (±10%) words completed under the guidance of the external partner and academic supervisor.

This course aims to:

■ Enable students to undertake an independent postgraduate research project addressing an organisational or industry challenge.

■ Develop students' ability to critically evaluate and synthesise academic and professional sources to inform evidence-based decision-making.

■ Enable students to design and implement an appropriate research strategy by selecting and applying suitable research methods to investigate an organisational or industry challenge.

■ Develop students' capacity to critically analyse research findings, formulate evidence-based recommendations, and evaluate their implications for professional practice.

Develop students' ability to communicate research findings and recommendations effectively through a professionally structured written report and oral presentation.

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

1. Critically evaluate and synthesise relevant academic and professional sources to investigate an organisational or industry challenge.

2. Design an applied research project by selecting and justifying appropriate research methods and analytical techniques to investigate an organisational or industry challenge.

3. Apply appropriate research methods and analytical techniques to analyse and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative evidence.

4. Critically evaluate research findings to develop evidence-based conclusions and well-supported recommendations for professional practice, recognising their implications and limitations.

5. Produce and communicate a professionally structured report that meets appropriate academic and professional standards, demonstrating effective communication, scholarly integrity and accurate referencing.