Dr Patrick Wallis

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Economic History (Research). This course is not available as an outside option.

The dissertation must draw upon the research training provided through the core courses for the MSc (Research) and the generic courses taken by the student, and present the results of an original enquiry into a carefully defined problem. Students are expected to show an ability to draw on relevant social scientific concepts, an understanding of the advanced literature in one or more areas of economic history, and of the nature of historical explanation and analysis. Where appropriate, students are also expected to show the ability to use relevant quantitative techniques for data collection and analysis. The dissertation is intended as preparation for a research degree. Students expecting to continue on the MPhil/PhD programme within the Department may write their MSc dissertation on a different topic from that on which they plan to research at MPhil/PhD level.

Selection of title: The subject and title of the dissertation must be approved by the student's tutor.

8 hours of lectures in the MT. 2 hours of lectures in the ST.

Arrangements for supervision: Starting in the first term, students will receive advice on how to choose a topic, and how to tackle it, both from the Department and, individually, from their tutor and from the teacher of any relevant taught course. There will be meetings during the course of the year. The student must submit a draft of the dissertation by the last Monday of the Lent Term. This draft will form the basis of a presentation at the dissertation workshop held later that week, at which verbal feedback will be provided by teachers and fellow students. A nominated member of staff will also offer written comments on this draft providing it is submitted by the designated time.

The student must submit a draft of the dissertation by the last Monday of the Lent Term. This draft will form the basis of the paper which the student must present to a dissertation workshop held later that week, at which verbal feedback will be provided by teachers and fellow students. A nominated member of staff will also offer written comments on this draft providing it is submitted by the designated time.

Dissertation (100%, 15000 words) post-summer term.

The final dissertation, is equivalent to two full modules, and will be awarded two separate percentage marks. The first of these marks will be based on the  formulation of the dissertation topic, its historical and historiographical context (including critical literature survey),  its creativity and originality, and overall presentation. The second mark will relate to the student's research design and discussion of methods, their collection and evaluation of primary and secondary sources, and the quality of analysis of evidence and interpretation. The dissertation should not exceed 15,000 words, excluding tables, references and bibliography. Presentation must be in accordance with appropriate academic conventions as laid down in the MSc Handbook. Work that fails to meet appropriate academic standards of presentation, including English language, will be subject to a maximum deduction of 15% from the first percentage mark. Marks will be deducted for late submission in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the MSc student handbook.

Survey questions on feedback to students may be non-informative because assessed work comes later in the term than the survey.