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THE THESIS

 

The thesis seminar is an element of the third year of the BA in International Relations and European Studies degree and has a credit rating of 20 units (10 ECTS). The thesis is an important component of the taught programme. It is seen as a means of enabling students to apply the theory learned, both substantive and methodological, to an in-depth specialised study. The module requires independent thought and action, and should encourage the integration of the course material with areas of individual expertise and interest.

 

The context, data, analysis and conclusions of the students’ research are to be presented for assessment in a thesis that should not exceed 10,000 words in length (excluding the bibliography and appendices). Thesis assessment will be based on an agreed mark between the supervisor and an internal examiner and confirmed by an external examiner of the University of Wales after the thesis has been presented for examination. The pass mark for the thesis is 40%.

 

3: THESIS TOPIC

Students need to select a closely defined topic for study, in which they can demonstrate the application of theories, concepts and techniques that they have learned in their study of other modules.

 

While all thesis proposals will be considered, the department reserves the right to withhold approval if a proposal is considered unsatisfactory. Reasons for the rejection of thesis proposals might include: duplication of topics, insufficiency of published literature of adequate standing, insufficiency of published data, the unavailability of a member of staff with expertise appropriate to the proposal, or a proposal which is unrelated or unsuitable to the degree programme.

 

One of the hardest aspects of self-directed research activity is to define exactly what one will do. It is important that students keep in mind that what is needed is not just a subject area but also a specific line of inquiry. This may involve, for example, a specific issue for review, or a particular hypothesis to be tested. However, in all cases there must be a purpose beyond the mere collection of information. Furthermore, a good thesis must be analytical, not just descriptive, and students will need to evaluate literature and empirical evidence, use reasoned argument, and work systematically towards a conclusion.

 

When choosing a specific area of study, students should make sure that their topics:

1. deal with an issue of current major concern.

2. are sufficient in scope and depth to form the basis of a Bachelor Thesis.

3. are manageable, given time and resource constraints.

4. relevant to the realm of International Relations and European Studies.

 

It is important to stress points 3 and 4, as many students fall into the trap of choosing a topic that is too ambitions. Students frequently underestimate the time required for each stage of the research process and choose objectives which are better suited for a Master’s Thesis rather than a Bachelor’s Thesis. This should be avoided.



 

Gill and Johnson (1991) include the following in their list of the characteristics of a good research topic:

1. Access – will you be able to obtain the data required for the research? Will you have access to key people, documents, etc.,

2. Achievability – can the work be completed in the time allocated for the thesis? This may refer more to the timing of required information than to the total amount of work involved.

3. Symmetry of potential outcomes – will the research be of value regardless of the outcome?

4. Student capability – students should choose a topic that suits their own analytical skills. This may seem obvious, but there are examples of students choosing topics which do not play to their strengths.

5. Value and scope of the research – to quote Gill and Johnson: ‘There are several reasons why the value of the research should be considered when topics are selected. Both students and supervisors are likely to be more highly motivated if the work has obvious value and examiners, too, are likely to be more interested - and aware higher marks if the work is clearly making a contribution to the solution of a significant problem’.

 

In order to ensure that you do not embark on work which is unnecessary or unlikely to lead to successful completion, it is VITAL THAT YOU KEEP YOUR SUPERVISOR INFORMED OF YOUR INTENTIONS.

 

 


Date: 2015-01-11; view: 864


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