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Content:

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All MSc students at the Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) must submit a dissertation to complete their degree. The dissertation aims to demonstrate a deep engagement with each student’s MSc programme content and demonstrate they can produce well-argued extended academic work. Dissertations are 10,000 words in length.

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This 10,000-word written work is designed for students to deeply engage with their programme's content, showcasing their ability to produce extended academic work. The dissertation is unique in that it allows students considerable autonomy in selecting their topic, often in consultation with a tutor. While similar in structure to essays prepared during the year, the dissertation is notably longer and emphasizes the student's perspective and argumentation.

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Focusing on a research question or hypothesis, the dissertation integrates theory, method, and practice to analyze case material, scholarly research, or theoretical frameworks. Unlike a PhD thesis, MSc dissertations are not required to present new empirical evidence or contribute original theoretical knowledge. However, they should offer novel approaches in argumentation and evidence presentation, using published sources rather than primary data collection.

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Teaching delivery:

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This module is taught through Research Skills Workshops, mandatory structured sessions for all DPU MSc students. Each workshop will cover core parts of the dissertation process and help students acquire the necessary research skills to develop their research topic and ideas before starting to engage with their supervisor and act as additional support and training during their writing-up phase. Four workshops are planned for the academic year, one in Term 1, two in Term 2, and one in Term 3.

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Workshops are followed by direct supervision by an academic member of staff who will meet with students up to four times during the dissertation period to provide tailored advice and guide the completion of the final dissertation document.

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Indicative Topics:

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The dissertation process is supported by a series of workshops.

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The first workshop introduces the dissertation's key elements and opportunities for developing dissertations alongside DPU global partners in research and practice as part of the unit’s MSc Dissertation Fellowships programme.

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Workshop 2 focuses on literature review and referencing, offering guidance on navigating literature, defining research frameworks, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Workshop 3 covers research methods and ethics, with discussions on various methodologies and experiences from speakers.

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The final workshop, Writing Your Dissertation, delves into academic writing skills, independent research, and tips for crafting a well-written dissertation.

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Module Aims and Objectives:

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Upon completion of their dissertation, students are expected to:

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1. Clearly and Precisely Address Development-related Topics: Develop the ability to address topics with clarity and precision, ensuring a focused and well-defined exploration of the subject matter.
2. Engage in Critical Reading: Demonstrate the capacity to conduct wider reading beyond key texts, incorporating a range of sources to enrich understanding and perspective.
3. Comprehend and Apply Literature: Achieve a thorough understanding of the literature and employ it appropriately to support arguments and analyses.
4. Conduct Rigorous Analysis: Cultivate skills in rigorously analysing concepts, arguments, and positions, ensuring a thorough and detailed examination of the subject.
5. Articulate Concepts with Evidence: Learn to articulate concepts effectively, using evidence to illustrate and substantiate points made.
6. Demonstrate Critical Reflection: Show a systematic attempt at critical reflection, questioning and evaluating ideas and arguments in a thoughtful and analytical manner.
7. Exhibit Critical Thinking and Originality: Display critical thinking skills, incorporating elements of originality and sophistication in argumentation and analysis.
8. Develop Logical and Supported Arguments: Formulate arguments that are logically developed, cogent, and properly supported by evidence and reasons.

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Recommended readings:

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• Booth, W.C.; Colomb, G.G.; Williams, J.M. (2008). The Craft of Research. 3rd Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press
• Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods. Oxford: University Press
• Creme, P., & Lea, M. (2008). Writing at university: A guide for students. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).Ìý
• Gray, D. E. (2013). Doing research in the real world. Sage.
• Hart, C (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination, London: Sage.Ìý
• Laws, S.; Harper, C.; Marcus, R. (2006). Research for Development A Practical Guide. London:
• O'Leary, Z. (2013). The essential guide to doing your research project. Sage.Ìý
• Robson, C. (2002). Real world research: A resource for social scientists and practitioner researchers (Vol. 2). Oxford: Blackwell.Ìý