This dissertation will allow students to explore an area of particular interest, using data from a wide variety of sources. Working closely with a supervisor, they will develop the topic, undertake the research and submit a dissertation.

No formal classes.

Timely completion of requirements for supervision meetings (10%)

Dissertation, 11,000 - 13,500 words (90%)

The MSc Dissertation option offers students the opportunity to identify an original research proposal and to conduct independent research on their chosen topic. This allows students to conduct research on a topic under the guidance of a supervisor and will acquaint them with a wide variety of research methods and encourage their use. The aim is to prepare students for further postgraduate research or employment in jobs related to the material covered elsewhere in the programme.

Students will benefit both from the specialised knowledge of staff in areas where they have made a particular research contribution and provide a specialised education in the study of the Global Economy in both its empirical and theoretical aspects..

On successful completion of the dissertation, students will be able to: 

■ Create an original, individual research project on a topic relevant to the global economy, incorporating appropriate research methods.

■ Demonstrate effective time and project management, and demonstrate progressive argument development throughout the chapters on a regular basis in line with supervisory guidance.

■ Critically analyse contributions from a range of scholars in relation to a defined body of literature and articulate key findings from the project with reference to that literature.

■ Approach any subject of enquiry in an open-minded and undogmatic manner, and identify, collect and interrogate data rigorously from a wide range of reliable sources.

■ Construct arguments and express views in a logical and lucid fashion with scholarly standards of referencing.

Generic regulations apply