Dr Oliver Volckart C215

This course is compulsory on the MRes in Quantitative Economic History. This course is not available as an outside option.

The Research Prospectus is a detailed, c. 5,000 words long outline 'map' of the prospective PhD thesis. It serves to demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis and, in conjunction with the results achieved in the examinable components of the MRes programme (including the Research Paper), as an indicator of the student's readiness for further graduate work in economic history at PhD level. The Prospectus is non-examinable but subject to approval by a departmental board prior to progression into the PhD programme. The Research Prospectus is expected (1) to set out the research questions and motivation of the three publishable papers students intend to produce in their prospective PhD thesis, (2) to demonstrate the thematic connections between the three papers, (3) to outline the conceptual/ theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches to be used, (4) to identify the main (data) sources to be exploited, and (5) to delineate the relevant historical and historiographical contexts of the thesis. Insights from the student's ongoing work on the Research Paper (EH473), as a first step towards the production of one of the three papers, are expected to inform the Research Prospectus.

Students are expected to work on the Research Prospectus throughout the year and in close consultation with their supervisors who, normally, will be their prospective PhD supervisors.

The Research Prospectus is not formally assessed. However, it needs to be approved by the departmental Prospectus Review Board prior to progression to the PhD programme. Submission to the departmental Prospectus Review Board on a date in Summer Term to be confirmed.