AN498      One Unit
Dissertation- MSc China in Comparative Perspective

This information is for the 2025/26 session.

Course Convenor

Availability

The dissertation must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of relevant social science literature and empirical material from China and elsewhere. It should elaborate a theoretical framework to compare Chinese and non-Chinese data. The topic should have been discussed with and approved by the academic adviser. Note that the dissertation must be based on published sources rather than primary research undertaken by the student.

1.5 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term.
3 hours of lectures and 1 hours of workshops in the Winter Term.
3 hours of workshops in the Spring Term.

This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.

There will be one lecture of 1.5 hours in AT and two lectures of 1.5 hours each in WT on dissertation preparation, including note taking, plagiarism, citation, writing strategies, etc.

In WT, students discuss their dissertation projects with their academic mentor and attend a one-hour dissertation workshop.

Students submit a one-page abstract during the easter break and attend a 3 hour workshop in ST. Each student attends one-on-one dissertation meetings with their academic mentors in the ST. During these, abstract will be commented upon and approved. Students continue to consult their academic mentors (and other members of staff as appropriate) during the ST.

Dissertation proposal in Winter Term Week 11

In Winter Term students are expected to produce a dissertation proposal including the following sections: 

• a 250 - 300 word abstract
• a one page thesis outline, including an explanation of the comparative aspect of the chosen topic
• a bibliography of key readings

Dissertation (100%, 10000 words) in August

The dissertation must not exceed 10,000 words including in-text citations, footnotes and appendices (but excluding bibliography). It should be submitted to the Department through Moodle in late August.

To ensure the integrity of our dissertation courses, students on Anthropology MSc programmes may be required to take part in an interview about the process of researching and writing their dissertation. The expectation is that approximately 10% of students will be required to attend an interview. The interviews will usually take place online between September and early November. Students who are selected for interview will need to make themselves available before their results can be confirmed.