The Final Year Project allows students to do independent, problem-oriented work under supervision on a topic in politics and international relations close to their specialist interests. Three types of project are available: a research dissertation, a policy paper and documented civic engagement. Each type of project embraces research, recommendations, and impact to greater or lesser degrees (for example, the research dissertation is focused on research but may include both policy recommendations and impact outcomes, while the policy paper will include research an impact outcomes though focus on recommendations). This overlapping set of underlying themes enables shared discussion and reflection on key approaches whichever type of project is chosen. The module provides this space of shared discussion and reflection. It also gives students the opportunity to further their interests and acquire a wide range of research, policy oriented and engagement skills in the process. The module takes students through the entire process of completing the project: articulating the original 'problem' and designing the project approach; organising material, drafting the project and writing and revising the completed project. Lectures, supervision and a conference, help students along the way. The curriculum includes structured opportunities for students to discuss their project ideas with each other as well as mock panel presentations in preparation for the assessed presentation at the student conference.
All final year project topics must be approved by the module convenor as well as by an academic supervisor.
Contact hours 44
Private study hours 256
Total study hours 300
Compulsory to the following courses:
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Placement Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Foundation Year
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in North America
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in Continental Europe
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with a Year in the Asia-Pacific
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Quantitative Research
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations with Quantitative Research With a Placement Year
Optional to the following courses, subject to the restriction described below:
• BA (Hons) Economics and Politics
• BA (Hons) History and Politics
• BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations (Bidiplôme)
The module can only be taken in Stage 3 by students in the School of Politics and International Relations (including Joint Honours).
Students are only permitted to take one dissertation module i.e. students selecting POLI6000 will not be permitted to take an additional dissertation module from another School. This restriction applies to all Pol/IR students, including Joint Honours.
This module is not available to short-term credit students.
Main assessment methods
Outline, 1000 words (10%)
Student Conference Presentation (15%)
Final Year Project, 8000 words (75%)
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate systematic understanding of the literature relevant to their project
2 Construct a feasible and significant project design
3 Locate, explain and justify the significance of their project by relating it, respectively, to ongoing debates in the relevant literature (research dissertation), to available policy options and debates (policy paper) and to the contentious politics of civil association (documented practice of civic engagement).
4 Analyse and deploy the theories, concepts and methods relevant to their project
5 Develop a project design appropriate to the delivery of their project aims
6 Draw on feedback from peers and academic supervisors, exercise reflection and self-criticism
7 Communicate the findings of their research effectively and fluently, in a conference setting and in a substantial piece of writing (8,000-word project).
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
