The outcome of this course is a major piece of guided independent research on a topic agreed between the student and their supervisor. Students will critically analyse and evaluate existing knowledge of a field, identify a problem of interest to them and design and conduct a research project investigating the problem. It may involve fieldwork and/or extensive research on secondary sources. The dissertation must show evidence of wide reading and understanding of critical analysis and appropriate use of advanced research techniques. Students are expected to work in close consultation with their assigned supervisors and produce a 12,000-15,000 words long dissertation that they will defend in front of a panel of examiners consisting of two internal and one external examiner. To be eligible for writing a dissertation, a student must earn a minimum CGPA of 3.3.
Students will work one-on-one with their thesis supervisor and create a mutually agreed upon plan for communication throughout the process of completing the Master’s Thesis. Students should take responsibility of making regular contact with their supervisor (number of meetings to be decided by the supervisor) and are expected to email their work in good time before each meeting for the supervisor to give feedback.