View Specification DocumentPolitics Dissertation POLITIC4017P
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Social and Political Sciences
- Credits: 40
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The Dissertation aims to provide the opportunity for students to undertake an independent piece of research, identifying and evaluating the suitability of primary and secondary resources and - where appropriate - employing quantitative and qualitative methods. The topic of the Dissertation can be in any area of the discipline of Politics where suitable supervision can be provided.
Timetable
None
Requirements of Entry
Mandatory Entry Requirements
Entry to Honours Politics requires a grade point average of 12 (Grade C) over Politics 2A and Politics 2B as a first attempt. Completion of Politics and International Relations Dissertation Preparation (POLITIC4189 - zero credits) course (can be waived at the discretion of the Subject.)
Excluded Courses
Independent Research Paper (POLITIC4019P)
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
One piece of work, of between 8,500 and 10,000 words: 100% of final mark.
Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable
It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.
[No exceptions]
Course Aims
The Dissertation aims to provide the opportunity for students to undertake an independent piece of research, identifying and evaluating the suitability of primary and secondary resources and - where appropriate - employing quantitative and qualitative methods. The topic of the Dissertation can be in any area of the discipline of Politics where suitable supervision can be provided.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this programme students will be able to:
■ demonstrate the capacity for independent learning;
■ demonstrate developed & detailed understanding of their chosen topic;
■ ability to construct a coherent argument;
■ demonstrate the ability to articulate in a cogent and literate manner the results of their reading and/or research.