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Dissertation Economic Perspectives

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor: Prof Pedro Gomes
  • Assessment: a 10,000-word dissertation (100%)

Module description

The dissertation offers you the opportunity to conduct an independent piece of research on a contemporary economic issue.

Working under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you will identify a research question, review relevant literature, and apply appropriate methods to produce a well-structured and critically informed dissertation. This will develop your ability to think independently, evaluate evidence and communicate complex ideas clearly. It allows you to engage deeply with topics that link economics to policy, business or social challenges, and to demonstrate the skills valued in professional and public contexts.

Indicative syllabus

  • Research design and question formulation: identifying viable topics, defining clear research questions and establishing the scope of analysis
  • Literature review and conceptual framework: reviewing academic and policy literature; situating the research within existing debates
  • Methodology: choosing appropriate methods, including qualitative approaches, basic data analysis or case studies
  • Data collection and evidence use: identifying, gathering and critically interpreting relevant data or documentary sources
  • Analysis and argumentation: developing a coherent narrative that connects theory, evidence and conclusions
  • Writing and presentation skills: structuring a dissertation, academic writing style and referencing
  • Ethical considerations: understanding research ethics and integrity in social science research
  • Supervision and feedback: working effectively with a supervisor and incorporating feedback

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • formulate a clear and feasible research question within economics or a related field
  • select and apply appropriate theoretical frameworks, data or qualitative evidence to address that question
  • critically evaluate academic and policy literature in economics relevant to your topic
  • develop an argument that demonstrates analytical rigour and originality
  • integrate insights from different areas of economics and related disciplines
  • manage a complex project independently, meeting agreed deadlines
  • communicate research findings clearly and persuasively in written form
  • reflect on the relevance of your work for professional practice or public debate.