Dissertation (PPE Economics)

A dissertation is intended to enable a student to deepen his or her understanding of a particular area of Economics, together with the contributions made by the student’s other subjects (Politics and Philosophy). It gives students the opportunity to choose a topic independently, and work with a supervisor to produce a work of academic research of approximately 8,000 words in length. The dissertation prepares the student for independent research and postgraduate study.

Dissertations can take a wide variety of forms. Students can opt for an empirical, theoretical, case study, or literature review approach, among others. Approaches are agreed between supervisors and students in the early stages of the dissertation process.

This course is compulsory for BA PPE degree students. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge, experience and ideas from their wider studies outside Economics. However, in order to be acceptable as part of the BA PPE Economics pathway, the dissertation must be deemed to be written on a topic related to an economic theory or phenomenon, and written in a style appropriate to a piece of academic work in Economics.

Students will also be encouraged to consider how researchers make decisions about details within the research process. A research skills approach asks students to consider how these decisions influence the ways in which research is communicated and how researchers can influence how their findings shape the world. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the dissertation, students are also asked to reflect on the differences between the three subjects they are studying.