Newcastle University

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 apply these concepts and skills to the development of their own dissertation.

Original Summary:
Research Methods in International Economics provide 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 presented talks by members of academic staff as a way of introducing them to several research topics which are relevant for them and are of current interest in the research community.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Potential Dissertation Topics: These vary on a yearly bases according to the MSc supervision arrangements. All topics are chose by members of academic staff who are in charge of MSc Supervisions, and are introduced to students in lectures.
2. Use of bibliographical and statistical databases.
3. Academic and Dissertation Writing.
4. Plagiarism: What it is and how to avoid it.
5. Preliminary Analysis of Data.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures provide the basic technical structure of the materials to be covered
2. Seminars provide an opportunity to enhance both theoretical and practical aspects of the module
3. Seminars provide hands-on experience of undertaking literature searches, formulating research questions etc.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module prepares the student for their dissertation and therefore the essays are designed to assess their readiness. The literature review as submitted for the assessment of this module is expected to be the basis for the literature review presented for the final disertation, so it is in the students' interest to be able to submit it as a formal piece of assessment and receive formal feedback.