Dissertation (GVC) (827DD)

45 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Summer teaching

All MA students will write a 45-credit Dissertation or a 45-credit Dissertation with Placement. Students undertaking a Dissertation are expected to produce independent research relevant to the field of the key themes of the MA Gender, Violence and Conflict, under the supervisor of a faculty mentor (whether desk-based, fieldwork-based, or through a research placement with an approved organisation). Dissertations are 10,000 words in length. 

The dissertation is intended to support students to achieve the following MA GVC learning outcomes:

  • critically assess and compare diverse disciplinary perspectives on sex, gender, violence and conflict and their relationships (e.g. anthropology; international relations; law; sociology, gender studies)
  • demonstrate a systematic understanding of key theoretical and policy debates around the gendered experiences of conflict, violence and peace
  • critically assess contemporary policy agendas, diplomatic, development and advocacy interventions related to the areas of “Women, Peace and Security” and “Violence Against Women”
  • design and conduct an original, independent research project through identifying, collating and critically analysing relevant primary and secondary research resources
  • present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing
  • demonstrate transferrable skills in working together with others as part of a team as well as independently.

Assessment

100%: Written assessment (Dissertation)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 450 hours of work. This breaks down into about 450 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.