Skip to main content
 

ECON3012: DISSERTATION IN ECONOMICS

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Economics

Prerequisites

  • Microeconomics (ECON2021) AND Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Econometrics (ECON2061) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291) AND Econometrics (ECON2061)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The dissertation should be a substantial piece of work that provides a detailed and critical examination of a particular topic. Empirical research is encouraged where appropriate to the topic, but is not compulsory.
  • The dissertation aims to encourage students to acquire the skills of independent research by pursuing a substantial project requiring research reading and/or data collection.

Content

  • There is a highly structured plan of work involving lectures and consultations between individual students and their dissertation supervisors.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Enhance student's knowledge of a specific topic in economics

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By completing a dissertation, students will learn to plan and design a substantial piece of written work on an area of economics of their choice which requires literature searches, and the collection/analysis of relevant data.

Key Skills:

  • Written communication - by completing the summative assessment
  • Planning Organisation and time management - by observing strict deadlines
  • Initiative - by searching relevant literature and other information
  • Computer literacy - by word-processing the dissertation

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and consultations. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in consultations and private study. Formative assessment is by means of preparation of a draft chapter. Summative assessment is by means of a written piece of 12000 words.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures4Across both years 2 and 31 hour4 
Consultations620 mins2Yes
Student Preparation and Reading394 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Dissertation12,000 words100Same

Formative Assessment

Submission of draft chapter

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.