Module: Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Dissertation
Module Code	POL1053 (ITS: LG5000)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Law & Government
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	25

Description

A Masters dissertation is an original piece of research on a substantive topic of interest in any field of international relations, comparative politics, conflict studies, international organization, political economy, or climate policy and governance. The suggested word count is circa 12,000 words. The maximum word count is 15,000 words.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Produce a lengthy piece of original academic research on the topic of student's choice
5. 1
6. 1DF1AAAC-8083-0001-6DB0-42EF77771B2A
7. Develop an in-depth expertise in a particular subject
10. 2
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12. Carry out investigation using one or more research techniques and theoretical approaches
15. 3
16. 1DF1AAAC-8F0E-0001-934B-177014D21EC2
17. Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate research findings
20. 4

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Independent Study	625	Dissertation research and writing
Total Workload: 625

Section Breakdown
CRN	11735	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Donnacha Ó Beacháin	Module Teacher	Daniel Marks, Diarmuid Torney

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Dissertation with 12-15,000 word limit	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None