Module overview
This module supports the requirement for students to transition from the taught to the research element of the Integrated PhD in Economics.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop your skills in critical thinking.
- Identify and summarise relevant literature.
- Reference sources correctly and accurately, and develop other aspects of academic writing, such as the clarity of written language, and the clarity of the structure.
- Develop your skills in academic writing.
- Conduct the preliminary collection, analysis and interpretation of qualitative, quantitative or documentary data to investigate your chosen key research questions; or carry out a literature-based study on a selected research issue data.
- Identify the necessary elements for carrying out independent research, such as preparing an ethics application.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Carrying out a literature review of the field relevant to your research questions.
- Apply the research training acquired in the taught element of the programme by designing an appropriate research strategy and research methodology to carry out your research.
- Develop your skills in managing your time effectively whilst working on your independent research.
- Develop your skills in drawing out the implications of your research for further research and policy/practice.
- Identify key research questions within the field of Economics upon which you will carry out independent research.
- Understand and apply theoretical frameworks to the chosen area of study.
- Develop your skills in reporting results with reference to existing literature.
Syllabus
The module will include: Meetings with your main Supervisor over the transition to research phase period to discuss different aspects of the PhD process, such as guidelines for formatting written work, choice of topic, period of study, supervision, length, layout, language, referencing, figures/tables, risk assessment form, ethics, disclaimer, binding, independent study.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
As part of this module, you will be offered an opportunity to discuss and further develop the topic of your PhD research with your PhD supervisors. You will be given guidance on the preparation of your PhD thesis via general support and direction by your supervisors while you are carrying out your preliminary independent study to inform your research. Your PhD Supervisors will meet with you during the summer/autumn period in order to discuss progress of your transition into the research element of the IPhD Economics, and support you during such transition.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 8 |
| Independent Study | 592 |
| Total study time | 600 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Paul Oliver (2010). The Student's Guide to Research Ethics. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill International.
Gordon Rugg and Marian Petre (2007). A gentle guide to research methods. Maidenhead: New York.
Pat Cryer (2006). The research student's guide to success. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill.
Diana Ridley (2012). The Literature Review: A Step-By-Step Guide For Students. Sage Study Skills Series.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Project
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
- Percentage contribution: 100%
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External