Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

To introduce the range of research topics, research methods and sources available in modern economics and finance.
To train students with skills in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of material from research sources.
To enable students to apply these concepts and skills to the development of their own dissertation.

This module provides support for the undertaking of research projects, in particular the MSc Dissertation. This is done by exposing the students to practical issues regarding research projects, such as the nature of a MSc dissertation, the use of bibliographical and statistical databases, and relevant methodological issues. In addition, students are given talks by academic staff which introduce them to several research topics of relevance to them, and which are of current interest in the research community.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Lectures

•       Guide on writing a Literature Review and a Dissertation
•       Related issues: Academic Writing and Plagiarism and Ethical Issues
•       Theoretical concepts and empirical concepts
•       Overview of potential research topics



2. Seminars and PC Tutorials
- PC Tutorial (2 hour seminar): Bibliographical and Statistical Databases
- Seminar 1: (1 hour seminar): Exegesis of theoretical and empirical concepts
- Seminar 2: (1 hour seminar): Reading and assessing samples of dissertation plans.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Familiarise with the ways of generating ideas for research
2. Identify and use existing data sources appropriately to the research questions
3. Obtain relevant data to facilitate empirical investigation
4. Be aware of, and familiar with, the facilities available for conducting literature searches
5. Be aware of the need to avoid plagiarism and ways to avoid it
6. Present a concise review of the literature and a well structured dissertation

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Have developed the ability to operate independently on a research topic and exercise appropriate
judgement in the selection of material
2. Be able to effectively organise, structure and manage a research project at an advanced level,
including undertaking critical appraisal, of relevant literature
3. Have further developed the skills of inquiry, research design, data collection and information
retrieval, bibliographic search, measurement and analysis, interpretation and presentation, self-
discipline and time-management and the ability to work autonomously

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures provide the basic academic and practical guide to writing a dissertation
2. Seminars provide an opportunity to enhance the practical aspects of the module

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Essentially 8330 is to prepare the students for the MSc dissertation. The timing of the assessment allows students to have time to prepare themselves with the literature review.

It also makes strong pedagogical sense to delay submitting a research proposal until the students have worked up their ideas more fully with their supervisors early in semester 2.

It reduces the burden of assessment in Semester 1 (which is especially important this year).
All other modules in Semester 2 are assessed in the formal Semester 2 assessment period in May/June.

General Notes

N/A