MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response / Course details

Students on all taught Masters Programmes within HCRI are required to submit a dissertation, on a topic approved by their Dissertation Supervisor. Dissertations should contain an element of original research which may be achieved through reflection and reading as well as through the collection of primary or secondary data (noting most do not involve primary data collection but review or reinterpretation of materials already available). They contribute to a third of a programme’s assessment and must be submitted in September of the final year of study.

Students are free to consider a wide range of topics related to their chosen programme of study, subject to approval on the basis of the feasibility of the topic within the timescale of the programme, and the extent to which the topic supplements and extends knowledge gained from following the particular programme of study.

• Allow students to seek new research findings which add to the existing body of knowledge on a particular subject area
• Give students the opportunity to manage their own research project from its initial design to its completion
• Strengthen their research and writing skills
• Produce a dissertation conforming to the conventions of academic research

• Develop knowledge about project design and management
• Acquire skills in key research methods in data collection and analysis
• Acquire in-depth knowledge on a specific topic and its related disciplines, contexts, etc.

• Deepen critical thinking skills in relation to research
• Critically use and assess methods in social sciences and other relevant disciplines

• Acquire desk-based research skills
• Where appropriate and feasible, conduct small-scale primary research activities
• Develop planning and project management skills by conducting a project from start to finish
• Strengthen their ability to structure and present evidence-based written arguments
• Strengthen their interpersonal skills through communication with the supervisor and potential research participants
   

• Howard, K., Sharp, J. and Peters, J. (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project, Gower, London.
• Silbergh, D. (2001) Doing dissertations in Politics, Routledge: London.
• Allison, B. (2004) Student’s Guide to Preparing Dissertations and Theses, Taylor & Francis: Florence.
• Lovitts, B. E. (2008) Developing Quality Dissertations in the Humanities, Stylus.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students, Pitman Publishing, London.
• Allan, G. & Skinner, C. (2007) Handbook for Research Students in the Social Sciences, The Falmer Press, London.
• Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science. Open University Press, Maidenhead.
• Walliman, N. (2005) Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First Time Researcher, Sage, London.