Research Design

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Postgraduate course

Teaching semester

Spring

Objectives and Content

The purpose is to provide practical experience in the development of a research proposal. The course focuses on the relation between problem identification, developing theoretical perspectives, methodological approach and data discussion.

The course provides the student with training in writing research proposals:

• formulating research questions,
• introducing relevant theory and reviewing literature,
• identifying sources of data and methods of data gathering, and
• discussing possibilities for generalization.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge 

The student has advanced knowledge of:

• Relevant theories and perspectives in a field of research
• Basic principles for scientific design

Skills

The student can:

• Develop a research proposal which later forms the basis for working with the master thesis
• formulate and discuss a research problem, review literature, and make decisions regarding the choice of theories and methodology that are relevant to the research theme.

General competence

The student can:

• identify relevant data sources and specify data collection methods
• has developed skills to critically review data sources, scientific argumentation, and use of scientific references.

Required Previous Knowledge

None 

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

None

Access to the Course

The course is open for students who have been accepted to the Master`s program at the Department of Government

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, group work and seminars 

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Approved draft and mandatory attendance at seminars. Approved compulsory requirements are valid in the current and the following exam semester. The compulsory assignments and attendance must be completed to take the exam.

Forms of Assessment

Submission of paper, 5000 words (+/- 10 %)

Grading Scale

Graded A-F

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester. Only students who have a valid document of absence will be entitled to take a new exam the following semester. 

Reading List

The reading list will be ready before 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 Decemeber for the spring semester. 

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.  

Course Coordinator

Course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB. 

Course Administrator

The Department of Government at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.