School: School of Government
Department: Institute of Local Government Studies
All MSc students are required to write a 12,000-word dissertation. This contributes one-third (60 credits) of the overall assessment. The dissertation topic is a personally chosen and managed research project, undertaken over the duration of the programme. The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to apply aspects of learning from other modules to a particular issue or problem. It also provides students with an opportunity to study a topic that interests them in depth.
Dissertations must adopt a public management/policy focus. Preparation starts with a dissertation workshop held in the autumn term. This workshop will help students to identify a provisional dissertation topic or assist in developing thoughts on a topic that has already been already chosen. The second semester module Public Policy and Evidence will also prepare students for their dissertation; this module is held in the second semester and students submit their dissertation proposal as an assessed assignment.
A dissertation of pass standard is required for the award of the MSc. The pass mark is 50% and candidates gaining overall averages of 60-69% and, where appropriate, a dissertation in this range, are awarded a 'Pass with Merit'. Those achieving an average score of 70% or more, and a dissertation mark in this range where appropriate, are awarded a 'Pass with Distinction'.
Related courses:
- Public Management MSc
- Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
The optional modules listed on the website for this programme may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.