Researching and Writing the MA EPA Research Report
Full course description
The Research Report is a great choice for students who want to gain hands-on research experience, learn how to use research methods, and train to collect and interpret data. This course is for students who aim to pursue a professional career where practice-based research is of relevance. Developing a research topic connected to specialised practices will ensure that the students get immersed in the professional context, and develop an analytical capacity about the processes of European policy-making.
The final course deliverable – the Research Report - should contribute to existing professional debates in the field of European Public Affairs. Students are encouraged to work on issues related to contemporary policy-making and legislative activity in the European Union, identifying the public policy and PA relevance.
Students work with a thesis supervisor (coach) who meets with them on a regular basis to guide them in the research process, providing valuable feedback.
Course objectives
After completion of this course, students are able to:
- identify and formulate clear research questions that help to direct the research process
- use concepts, models or perspectives in order to academically frame and examine the chosen research question
- find, assess and critically analyse primary and secondary data
- critically reflect upon the relations between concepts, methodology, and empirical findings and use these insights to build an academic argument of relevance for the professional practice of EPA
- plan, carry out and finalize their own research within a fixed time‐frame
- write a complete research report that is well-documented
- engage with and incorporate constructive (academic) feedback
Recommended reading
- Blaikie, N. (2007). Approaches to Social Enquiry: Advancing Knowledge. 2nd ed., Cambridge: Polity.
- Grix, J. (2019). The Foundations of Research. (3rd ed.) London: Red Globe Press
- Toshkov, D. (2016). Research Design in Political Science, Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.