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Political Research & Analysis - POL00014M

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  • Department: Politics and International Relations
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2026-27

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module considers the nature, practice and philosophical underpinnings of political research and analysis. The first section of the module examines some key issues in the philosophy of political analysis, particularly focusing on the nature of explanation, values and objectivity. The second section of the module focuses more narrowly on problems and strategies of research design such as methodology, critical analysis and putting theory into practice.

Module learning outcomes

Students who are just beginning their dissertation projects will be able to use many of the conceptual tools necessary to develop a general idea or topic into an effective research design.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment.  They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than six weeks after submission; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend.  They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor's regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Information currently unavailable



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.