EH474     
Research Prospectus

This information is for the 2017/18 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Patrick Wallis

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MRes in Quantitative Economic History. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

The Research Prospectus is a detailed, c. 5,000 words long outline 'map' of the prospective PhD thesis. It serves to demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis and, in conjunction with the results achieved in the examinable components of the MRes programme (including the Research Paper), as an indicator of the student's readiness for further graduate work in economic history at PhD level. The Prospectus is non-examinable but subject to approval by a departmental board prior to progression into the PhD programme.

The Research Prospectus is expected (1) to set out the research questions and motivation of the three publishable papers students intend to produce in their prospective PhD thesis, (2) to demonstrate the thematic connections between the three papers, (3) to outline the conceptual/ theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches to be used, (4) to identify the main (data) sources to be exploited, and (5) to delineate the relevant historical and historiographical contexts of the thesis. Insights from the student's ongoing work on the Research Paper (EH473), as a first step towards the production of one of the three papers, are expected to inform the Research Prospectus.

Teaching

Students are expected to work on the Research Prospectus throughout the year and in close consultation with their supervisors who, normally, will be their prospective PhD supervisors.

Assessment

The Research Prospectus is not formally assessed. However, it needs to be approved by the departmental Prospectus Review Board prior to progression to the PhD programme. Submission to the departmental Prospectus Review Board on a date in Summer Term to be confirmed.

Key facts

Department: Economic History

Total students 2016/17: Unavailable

Average class size 2016/17: Unavailable

Controlled access 2016/17: No

Value: Non-credit bearing

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills