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SPOL41040

Academic Year 2024/2025

MPP Thesis (SPOL41040)

Subject:
Social Policy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Soc Pol, Soc Wrk & Soc Justice
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Stephan Koeppe
Trimester:
Summer
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Research/Capstone Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The purpose of writing a thesis is to gain experience in formulating a good research question, designing a viable research strategy, engaging in independent research and learning, writing a substantial piece of work, on a topic relevant to some substantive area of the broader programme of study.
Transferable skills include analytical thinking skills, research skills, developing a good writing style.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Students will have learned how to :
- devise a good research question
- design and complete a substantial research project
- develop deep knowledge in their chosen field of study
- strengthen critical and analytical thinking abilities
- write effectively, clearly, in a well-organised fashion.

Indicative Module Content:

The substantive content depends on each student's chosen area of study

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Project Supervision

4
Autonomous Student Learning

750
Total

754

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Independent research and self-guided learning;
discussion with thesis supervisor leading to self-reflective and critical learning;
overall guidance from thesis supervisor.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students have to submit a thesis proposal in week 8 of the Spring term (after reading week).

Students have to attend two tutorials in the Spring trimester to prepare and discuss the thesis proposal (week 2 & 9).


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
MPP Thesis (CSSL40150)


 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Thesis/Dissertation: Individual thesis on a topic chosen by the student (10-12,000 words). Submission by end of August. Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

100

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Meetings with thesis supervisor, feedback provided on written work in progress.

Name Role
Dr Michael Byrne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Matthew Donoghue Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Bryan Fanning Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Niamh Hardiman Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Orla Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Naonori Kodate Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sarah Morton Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Michelle Norris Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Maria Pierce Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Karen Smith Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Dorota Szelewa Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Nessa Winston Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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