Dissertation - ECO00109M
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:
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Research proposal, (max 1500-word) 10%
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Progress Presentation (video presentation 15 minute), 15%
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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:
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Health,
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Macroeconomics
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Applied Microeconomics
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Applied Microeconometrics
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Development Economics
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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 2025-26 to Summer Semester 2025-26 |
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
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Lecture 1 |
Introduction to the Module, Literature Review Data sources (Week 7 Semester 2) |
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Lecture 2 |
Finding what you need, Search Strategy, Managing your references How to narrow your dissertation topic? Preparing your data |
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Lecture 3 |
STATA practical session |
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Lecture 4 |
Preparing your proposal |
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Workshop 1 |
Strategies to for preparing your research Proposal |
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Lecture 5 |
Preparing your results |
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Workshop 2 & 3 |
Specific estimation procedures to do with the Research Proposal and data handling. |
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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.