2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED3769 Dissertation for Q-Steps Students

40 Credits Class Size: 40

Module manager: Dr J Simon Rofe, Dr C Harlen & Prof S Lightfoot
Email: J.S.Rofe/C.Harlen/S.J.Lightfoot@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Co-requisites

PIED3704 Advanced Statistical Analysis

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The dissertation is a piece of written work of 10,000 words. As a student on the Q-Step pathway, you will include a statistical model in the dissertation as part of your analysis, although the dissertation can be researched on a topic of your own choice within the area of the degree programme (with the agreement of the School Dissertation Committee). It is designed to allow you to produce an extended piece of written work on an area or topic of special interest to you. This is your opportunity to follow through a topic which has interested you but which you have not been able to research so far in your degree or to go into issues raised on second and third level modules in more detail. As a student on the Q-Step pathway, you will include a statistical model in the dissertation as part of your analysis.

Objectives

On completion of this module, you will be able to will be able to demonstrate the skills of organising and completing an independent research activity, including a significant piece of quantitative analysis, and the presentation of your researched findings. You will also, at the end, have a valuable extended piece of your own work that you can show to employers or use for post-graduate work in the future.

Learning outcomes

Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of a specific political science / IR / development topic, as well as the ability to design a piece of quantitative analysis from data collection / collation to analytical modelling and write-up.

Syllabus

The dissertation is on a subject of the student's choice, providing that it falls within the objectives of the programme in which the module is used.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Meetings 1 1 1
Drop-in Session 3 1 3
Supervision Meetings 3 0.5 1.5
Lecture 5 1 5
Private study hours 389.5
Total Contact hours 10.5
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 400

Private study

Private study and independent learning are required during the research and writing-up of the dissertation by the student.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Outlines and bibliography and abstract. Submission of draft material. The data which students will use in their analysis will also be checked, and guidance provided, in the practical sessions on the ‘Advanced Statistical Analysis' (PIED3704) module.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation 1 x 10,000 Words 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2025

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