Demonstrate a specialised knowledge of a specific

The IMRCEES Dissertation option offers students the opportunity to identify an original research proposal and to conduct independent research on their chosen topic. This allows students to conduct research on a topic under the guidance of a supervisor and will acquaint them with a wide variety of research methods and encourage the use of these various research methods, and original East European language sources in their chosen area of Central and East European Studies. The aim is to prepare students for further postgraduate research or employment in jobs related to Russia, Central and Eastern Europe.

Students will benefit both from the specialised knowledge of staff in areas where they have made a particular research contribution and provide a specialised education in the study of Central and East European Studies in both its empirical and theoretical aspects.

Students will also have the opportunity to conduct the dissertation research in the Russian/Central/East European region.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1) Demonstrate a specialised knowledge of a specific cultural, economic, historical or political area of analysis and country within the field of Central and East European Studies;
2) Use a range of methodologies;
3) Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the culture, economics, history and politics of the region;

4) Evaluate theories and analyse critically the arguments of scholars;
5) Approach any subject of enquiry in an open-minded, rigorous and undogmatic manner an demonstrate the skill to construct arguments and express their own views in a logical and lucid fashion;
6) Work independently using their own initiative to produce work containing a substantial element of originality;
7) identify and gather research data (i.e from original language sources, interviews, media, archives and government reports).