Course Catalogue

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This portfolio will allow students to engage with research methods training and to undertake a period of independent study resulting in a combined portfolio that includes a reflexive methods paper, research proposal, dissertation and placement report.

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Generic regulations apply

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Students will complete a single combined portfolio consisting of

Research Methodology reflection piece (1500 words) (10%)

Dissertation research proposal (1500 words) (10%)

Placement Capstone Project (2000 words) (10%)

Dissertation (20000 words) (70%)

The course aims to provide students with independent research and work-based learning opportunities. It will include engagement with research methods and placement preparation training leading up to a period of independent research and the production of a substantial dissertation that builds upon themes and issues covered within the MSc International Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies. Students will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and demonstrate their capacity for original thought and independent research. The dissertation element aims to enable students to identify and research particular issues or problems, linked to security, intelligence and strategy, at a deeper level than is possible within assessed essays and to develop a critical analysis of the existing body of academic work relating to their topic of choice. The dissertation will also be linked to a work-based placement which will allow the student to collaborate with a practitioner organisation and ensure that the independent research has applicability and value in in a real world setting. The various pieces of assessment will be brought together in a single portfolio. Students taking this course will be prepared for further research, study or professional careers through the development of their skills in data collection and analysis, use of original and secondary sources and the conducting and writing up of a detailed research project independently and within collaborative work environments.

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

 Devise a realistic programme of research on a topic reflecting the main themes of the programme;

 Collect, select and critically analyse relevant background literature and arguments of a range of scholars;

 Understand and select the appropriate methodology for dealing with information sources and data;

 Apply these methods to gather and interrogate data in an open-minded, rigorous and undogmatic manner;

 Be able to critically evaluate competing theories and apply relevant theoretical frameworks to guide the study

 Organise the data collected and analyse the findings in a competent manner that allows for a fluid and logical argument to be presented ;

 Be reflexive and self-critical about findings and the limitations of analysis.

 Work independently, organising and maintaining own programme of study to meet academic and other relevant (i.e. placement) deadlines so as to produce work containing a substantial element of originality

Demonstrate an awareness of the experiential learning process and provide clear evidence of the ability to reflect on and evaluate learning from the workplace

Generic regulations apply