PH421
Dissertation Seminar - Philosophy and Public Policy
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Kieran Oberman
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes.
Course content
Aim: This course helps students on the MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy develop their philosophical research and writing skills. It clarifies expectations surrounding the MSc dissertation, which is an extended piece of writing that students are expected to complete over the summer. One of the course's main aims is to help student settle for a relevant dissertation topic that they feel comfortable with.
Teaching
10 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
14 hours of seminars in the Spring Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Seminars will cover key research and writing skills, as well as provide opportunites to discuss potential research topics. Students are required to present their MSc dissertations as work in progress (the precise format of these sessions will be organised in-year).
Formative assessment
Presentation of own dissertation as work in progress.
Some very short homework tasks may also be assigned throughout the year.
Indicative reading
None.
Assessment
This course is not assessed.
Key facts
Department: Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Course Study Period: Autumn and Spring Term
Unit value: Non-credit bearing
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 40
Average class size 2024/25: 20
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Communication