IR5901: Dissertation In International Relations

IR5901: DISSERTATION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (2026-2027)

Last modified: 22 Jul 2026 13:42

Course Overview

This is a compulsory element on the MSc International Relations programme.

Course Details

Study Type	Postgraduate	Level	5
Term	Third Term	Credit Points	60 credits (30 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Ritu Vij

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

One of Master Of Science In International Relations And Management or Master Of Science In International Security And Diplomacy (Sept Start) or MSc International Relations and International Law or MSc International Relations
Any Postgraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

Students who meet the necessary requirements proceed to the dissertation. Students select a topic in consultation with the degree convenor that explores in depth some aspect(s) of International Relations. The dissertation is designed to allow students to extend an interest in some aspect of the degree and to have experience in formulating, designing and conducting their own social science research investigation. Students complete a 12-15,000 word dissertation under supervision.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

Project Report/Dissertation

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting	100
Assessment Weeks		Feedback Weeks		Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	12,000-15,000 word

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Analyse	Demonstrate a firm grasp of key concepts, approaches, and debates and how to use these for effective analyses of substantive issues in IPE.
Procedural	Evaluate	Critically assess the ways in which political and economic systems interact to shape global wealth distribution, evaluating their impact on poverty patterns and socio-economic disparities.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission

Assessment Type	Summative	Weighting
Assessment Weeks		Feedback Weeks	Look up Week Numbers
Feedback	Resit (resubmission) is allowed only if the first submission is a marginal fail (E1, E2,E3)

Learning Outcomes

Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on or with the Course Coordinator
Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome
Conceptual	Analyse	Demonstrate a firm grasp of key concepts, approaches, and debates and how to use these for effective analyses of substantive issues in IPE.
Procedural	Evaluate	Critically assess the ways in which political and economic systems interact to shape global wealth distribution, evaluating their impact on poverty patterns and socio-economic disparities.

51cg