IR496E      One and Half Unit
Dissertation: MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy (1.5 units)

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Chris Alden

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Strategy and Diplomacy. This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

The dissertation will address a topic in the social sciences drawn broadly from the three core courses. The topic should make central use of concepts in the study of International Relations, strategy and diplomacy and should demonstrate a good understanding of these concepts and implications. The dissertation will draw on empirical topic areas but should also demonstrate a high degree of conceptual originality. Guidance on standards of presentation will be given in the handbook and conform to the standard laid down for MSc dissertations in the International Relations Department. The subject and title of the dissertation must be approved by the dissertation supervisor.

Teaching

Arrangements for supervision. Students will receive advice on how to choose a topic and how to write a dissertation from a 1.5 hour workshop and from three half hour individual supervision sessions.

Formative coursework

Students submit a 3,000 dissertation plan on which they receive written feedback (see the details of the IR444 course, taken in conjunction with IR496).

Assessment

Dissertation (100%, 15000 words) in the WT.

A 15,000 word dissertation (100%) to be submitted in September. This course is taken in conjunction with IR444 Strategy in Action (H).

Using the dissertation plan (IR444), the dissertation will include an introduction, theoretical framework, a literature review and methodology followed by chapters, conclusion and bibliography.

Student performance results

(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 20.5
Merit 69.3
Pass 9.1
Fail 1.1

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2022/23: 1

Average class size 2022/23: Unavailable

Controlled access 2022/23: No

Value: One and Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

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