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Economics Dissertation - ECO00030H

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Maria Garcia Reyes
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

In this module each student undertakes a piece of independent empirical research in economics, within one of a number of prescribed subject areas. The work is supervised, primarily through workshop groups, by a member of staff with expertise in that area. Summative assessment comprises three elements:

  • (max 1000-word) progress report, 10%
  • 25-minute presentation to the workshop group, 15%
  • (max 4500-word) final report, 75%

Important note: After you have selected and been allocated your module choices there is a further requirement in order for you to retain your place on this module.  You are required to write a 250-word outline of the topic you would like to write your dissertation on, specifying the workshop group you wish to join: finance, health, macroeconomics, microeconomics or social policy.    

At the start of the Easter vacation you will receive a link to a google form for submission of this information.  The deadline for submission of your outline is Friday Week 9 of the summer term at 12 noon. 

Please note that if you fail to submit a dissertation outline proposal you will lose your place on this module and will have to select an alternative.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

To enable students to undertake individual and independent empirical research, applying the theoretical concepts and empirical techniques acquired elsewhere in the degree programme, and thus developing and assessing their ability to:

  • apply these concepts and techniques
  • work independently
  • present cogently the results of such work

Module learning outcomes

Through taking this module, a student will develop skills and knowledge relating in particular to:

  • defining feasible hypotheses and objectives for empirical research in economics, drawing on appropriate economic theory and concepts
  • locating and compiling economic data
  • applying appropriate techniques, principally econometric, in analysing that data and testing hypotheses
  • presenting their analysis in a coherent final report, including in a way that would be intelligible to non-specialists
  • working independently, but also interactively through workshops discussing with, and presenting to, other students working on their own projects

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Final Dissertation:4500 words		 N/A 75
Essay/coursework
Research Proposal		 N/A 10
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Presentation		 N/A 15

Special assessment rules

Non-reassessable

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Final Dissertation:4500 words		 N/A 75

Module feedback

  • Progress report: mark (out of 100) and written formative comments returned within six weeks (current aim, under consideration for feasibility, is by end of Spring Term Week 1)
  • Workshop presentation: mark (out of 100) and written formative comments returned by start of Summer Term Week 1.
  • Dissertation: mark (out of 100) and written comments returned within six weeks

Indicative reading

Greenlaw, Steven A, Doing Economics: A Guide to Understanding and Carrying Out Economic Research, South-Western College Pub, 2005.

Gujarati D N and D.C. Porter, Basic Econometrics, (5th edn), McGraw-Hill, 2009


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.