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Dissertation - ECO00109M

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

In this final semester module students undertake a piece of independent empirical research in economics, within one of a number of prescribed subject areas. The work is supervised, primarily through workshop groups, by a member of staff with expertise in that area. Summative assessment comprises three elements:

  • Research proposal, (max 1500-word) 10%

  • Progress Presentation (video presentation 15 minute), 15%

  • Final report, 75% (max 6000-word)

Important note: After you have selected and been allocated your module choices there is a further requirement in order for you to retain your place on this module. You are required to write a 250-word outline of the topic you would like to write your dissertation on, specifying the workshop group you wish to join:

  • Health,

  • Macroeconomics

  • Applied Microeconomics

  • Applied Microeconometrics

  • Development Economics

  • Finance

At the end of Semester 2 you will receive a link to a google form for submission of this information. The deadline for submission of your outline is Friday Week 10 of Semester 2 12 noon.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24 to Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

The aim of the dissertation is to allow you

To carry out your own in-depth analysis, or your own in-depth critical review, of a topic, working mainly independently.

The dissertation provides an opportunity for you to do your own academic research in economics. We do expect you to make a serious and honest attempt to put into practice the principles and techniques which you have learned in the taught component of the Msc, in order to arrive at some carefully reasoned conclusions of your own. time management skills are an additional part of the process

Module learning outcomes

Critically evaluate theoretical and/or empirical economic models and independently apply and critically analyse relevant concepts and principles.

Critically assess key concepts using deductive and inductive methods involving theoretical and/or empirical economic models learnt in core and option modules.

The proficient application of various quantitative techniques to formulate problems and provide convincing analysis of meaningful problems in economics.

Read, understand and digest various journal articles, gathering and implementing knowledge pertaining to the development of theoretical and econometric models, applying methodology learnt during module and dissertation lectures.

Module content

Lecture 1

Introduction to the Module, Literature Review Data sources (Week 7 Semester 2)

Lecture 2

Finding what you need, Search Strategy, Managing your references How to narrow your dissertation topic? Preparing your data

Lecture 3

STATA practical session

Lecture 4

Preparing your proposal

Workshop 1

Strategies to for preparing your research Proposal

Lecture 5

Preparing your results

Workshop 2 & 3

Specific estimation procedures to do with the Research Proposal and data handling.

Workshop 4

Specific issues with results and preparation of your final dissertation.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 75
Essay/coursework 15

Special assessment rules

Non-reassessable

Additional assessment information

Summative assessment value:

Research proposal (10%)

Video Report on Dissertation progress (15%)

Final dissertation (75%)

The module is NOT re-assessable. If there are exceptional circumstances in place students will apply to a reweight of the percentages rather than a retake on summative assessment. Marginal Fails will be permitted to revise and resubmit with a capped mark of 50

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 75

Module feedback

Students should be provided with individual feedback on the research proposal and results.

Indicative reading

Greenlaw, Steven A, Doing Economics: A Guide to Understanding and Carrying Out Economic Research, South-Western College Pub, 2005.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.