As outlined above, in addition to the core and elective modules, you will also undertake an independent and original research dissertation. The dissertation is an integral and formal part of the course. Completing a good dissertation is essential for research study in the SoGE on the MPhil or DPhil degrees.The dissertation gives you the opportunity to design and execute your own research. The choice of research topic is up to you, but it normally relates to one or more of the core or elective modules, or to the research interests of one of the SoGE staff. In designing your research project, it is a good idea to bear in mind the expertise available within SoGE to supervise your work.
Over the course of Michaelmas and Hilary terms, students are expected to consult with teaching staff, faculty and other postdoctoral research staff who may serve as a dissertation supervisor. It is your responsibility to identify a suitable supervisor for your particular project and make these arrangements. You may consult with the NSEG course team for additional advice regarding who may serve as your supervisor. A dissertation proposal will be due by week 6 of Hilary term. The bulk of dissertation research which will be carried out after the exams are over, and the final work must be handed in on the first weekday of September, namely
The best dissertations will be of publication quality, and all submissions should show originality and rigour. It is possible to submit the work in the form of a journal paper ready for submission. This should be discussed with your dissertation supervisor. A separate MSc Dissertation Handbook describes dissertation formats and expectations in further detail.
All dissertations will be judged according to the dissertation marking criteria; students are expected to read the marking criteria at the start of the course.
2019 Examiners Report
Stronger dissertations were always well-focused, engaging and interesting to read, grounded in the relevant theoretical literature, and contained clear justifications of methods and reflections on research ethics. High marks were awarded both for projects that engaged critically with conceptual ideas, and for projects that demonstrated effort and a systematic approach in exploring novel empirical cases. The very strongest dissertations were theoretically sophisticated and empirically substantial.
Weaker dissertations tended to offer unclear or ambiguous accounts of the relationship between relevant research literatures, specific research questions to be addressed, and methodological choices made by candidates.
Some of the weaker dissertations were unfocused and lacked a clear line of thought. These projects were often characterised by analytical sections comprising descriptive accounts of empirical findings and a few links to relevant theoretical ideas.
Other weaker dissertations were hampered by limited data collection, or a poor articulation of research design and analytical strategie
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