Research Project in International Relations

Summative Assessments Criteria

Number Type Word count Weight Deadline
Final mark: 15% Due at the end
1 Literature Review 2,000 words
of the module marks of Week 12
Final mark: 85% Due at the end
1 Dissertation 15,000 words
of the module marks of Week 24

Your summative assessments consist of two connecting elements: a Literature Review (2,000
words) and a Dissertation (15,000 words).

While each element will be marked out of 100 points, the weighting for the course assessments will
be as follows: 15% for the Literature Review and 85% for the Dissertation.

This table shows how the 100 points are distributed to these assessments according to the marking
criteria.

Please be reminded to strictly submit by the deadline.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE PRIMARY DATA FOR YOUR RESEARCH
PROJECT THAT SHOULD BE BASED ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY.

Information about IR theories can be found in the ‘Understanding International Relations’ module that
you have been taught.

1. Summative Assessment Criteria for LITERATURE REVIEW

Available Mark
Criteria Explanation of Criteria
(100/100)
Structure Focus of assessment structure and organisation; adherence to assessment
15
& Organisation guidelines; assignment conforms to conventions for literature reviews
Discernment in selecting sources and use of material to support literature
Collection & Use review; integration of knowledge gained through reading, research, and
15
of Source Material reflection to support arguments, judgements, and conclusions; ability to
critically evaluate evidence that is relevant to the broader discipline of IR
Clear and consistent presentation of literature review, reflecting
Knowledge
sound knowledge and its application; originality in presenting ideas 15
& Application
in a research context across a breadth of relevant literature
Sound and critical understanding of the research topic,
Understanding &
demonstrating problem solving abilities within the broader 15
Critical Reflection
and multi-disciplinary environment of IR
Ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexities; formulate
Analysis &
judgements using underpinning knowledge; communicate applied 15
Evaluation
concepts and theories; awareness of current issues at the forefront of IR
Grammar
Correct and clear spelling, punctuation, and grammar 10
& Spelling
Harvard
Correct and clear citations conforming to Harvard referencing guide 10
Referencing
Clarity of literature review, page numbering, margins,
Presentation 5
line spacing, font consistency, separation of paragraphs

Please be reminded to strictly submit by the deadline.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE PRIMARY DATA FOR YOUR RESEARCH
PROJECT THAT SHOULD BE BASED ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY.
Information about IR theories can be found in the ‘Understanding International Relations’ module that
you have been taught.

2. Summative Assessment Criteria for DISSERTATION

Available Mark
Criteria Explanation of Criteria
(100/100)
Focus of assessment structure and organisation;
Structure
Adherence to assessment guidelines; assignment 15
& Organisation
conforms to conventions for Master level dissertations
Discernment in selecting sources and use of material to support research
Collection & Use project; integration of knowledge gained through reading, research, and
15
of Source Material reflection to support arguments, judgements, and conclusions; ability to
critically evaluate evidence that is relevant to the broader discipline of IR
Clear and consistent presentation of research project, reflecting
Knowledge
sound knowledge and its application; originality in presenting 15
& Application
ideas in a research context within the area of academic research
Sound and critical understanding of the research
Understanding &
topic, demonstrating problem solving abilities within 15
Critical Reflection
the broader and multi-disciplinary environment of IR
Ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexities; formulate
Analysis &
judgements using underpinning knowledge; communicate applied 15
Evaluation
concepts and theories; awareness of current issues at the forefront of IR
Grammar
Correct and clear spelling, punctuation, and grammar 10
& Spelling
Harvard
Correct and clear citations conforming to Harvard referencing guide 10
Referencing
Clarity of final research project, page numbering, margins,
Presentation 5
line spacing, font consistency, separation of paragraphs

Please be reminded to strictly submit by the deadline.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE PRIMARY DATA FOR YOUR RESEARCH
PROJECT THAT SHOULD BE BASED ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY.

Information about IR theories can be found in the ‘Understanding International Relations’ module that
you have been taught.