This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes.
This course allows students to pursue a substantive piece of independent research on a topic of their choice in economics under the guidance of an academic economist at ANU. Usually the research project will be quantitative in nature, although theoretical or other contributions are also possible. The student must develop a strong research question, bring evidence to bear on this question, and clearly and concisely provide detail on the research design, results, implications, and limitations. The course is taken over two consecutive semesters, and the dissertation is due at the end of the second semester of enrolment. The dissertation should not exceed 15,000 words.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Conduct independent and original research in economics.
- Critically review the relevant literature and demonstrate a sound understanding of the contribution of the project to the field.
- Choose and apply appropriate methods to answer an important research question in economics.
- Communicate the study’s analysis and arguments in a clear and concise style that is suitable for economics journals.
- Deliver effective oral research presentations that can describe the research and situate it in the broader context.
Other Information
This course is to be taken over two consecutive semesters (6 units of enrolment each semester). The dissertation is due at the end of the second semester of enrolment. Each dissertation will graded by two examiners.
Indicative Assessment
- Research proposal (2 pages) (5) [LO 1,2,3]
- Presentation of research proposal (5 minutes) (5) [LO 5]
- Interim presentation (10 minutes) (5) [LO 5]
- Interim (work-in-progress) paper (maximum 9,000 words) (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final presentation (10 minutes) (5) [LO 5]
- Dissertation (maximum 15,000 words) (60) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Replication files (data, code, and other workings; no limit) (5) [LO 1,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
8–10 hours of independent research per week over two semesters, totally 260 hours over the duration of the course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
None.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 to 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.