In this course Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students will develop a proposal or first paper for their Higher Degree Research (HDR) thesis in economics at the Crawford School of Public Policy. Students will work on framing a sharp research question or questions, developing a tractable research framework to answer those questions, and identifying a practical timeline for thesis preparation. Initial research will be carried out that will be able to be incorporated into the subsequent HDR thesis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Construct and frame a sharp and workable research question.
- Identify the major elements of their proposed thesis.
- Critically review economic literature and demonstrate a sound understanding of the strengths and limitations of existing research and where the research project fits within the field.
- Design, research, and write a well-structured thesis proposal or first paper.
- Deliver effective oral research presentations.
Other Information
This course is restricted to Crawford MPhil students in economics. You will need to contact the Crawford School of Public Policy to request a permission code to enrol.
Indicative Assessment
- Initial presentation (10) [LO 1,2,5]
- Final presentation (10) [LO 1,2,5]
- Proposal or first thesis paper (maximum 7,000 words) (80) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable.
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 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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5280 | Standard Rate |
| 2025 | $3840 |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8989 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| 8990 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Online | N/A |