Placement-Based Dissertations:Information for host organisationsWhat is a placement-based dissertation?MSc students studying on selected Masters programmes can apply to undertake a research project in collaboration with external host organisations, as an alternative to a traditional desk-based dissertation. Students will be based with their host organisation (in the UK or overseas) for 8-10 weeks during May & June. The student will analyse the data collected and submit a final research paper to both the host organisation and the University (as the Masters dissertation).

What are the aims of a placement-based dissertation?For organisations, placements offer the opportunity to host talented students with specialised knowledge relevant to their sector. The student will contribute to a pre-arranged research project in order to advance organisational objectives. For students, the projects provide excellent opportunities to think through theoretical ideas in ‘real world’ contexts and to gain transferable skills through applied, practical experience. The commissioned research paper will address a current research need within the host organisation, while also improving the employability of our graduates. We will work with organisations to ensure that placements are of mutual benefit to both the host and the student.

As the project forms an integral part of the student’s MSc degree there is no requirement to provide any form of remuneration. Students may be asked to undertake some limited work not directly related to their research, but this must not detract from the agreed project nor take up significant time or resources.

Placement Output: The Research PaperAt the end of the placement, the student will use the collected data to produce a 10-12,000-word research paper. The paper will be an extensive piece of academic writing. The exact format of the paper will be decided between the host organisation, the student and the University prior to the start of the placement. The format will be formally agreed via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by all parties. Students will also submit a 2-page executive summary with the main report.

What are the responsibilities of the host organisation? To provide a supervisor who will act as the student’s main point of contact. This supervisor will act as gatekeeper

to key contacts and other sources of information to enable the student to undertake the project. This supervisor will meet or speak with the student on a regular basis regarding the project.

To provide the student with an induction to the organisation. To liaise with the student before the placement starts in order to refine the research project and make any

necessary logistical arrangements.

Which students can take part?Placements are assigned on a competitive basis, ensuring that the most relevant and qualified student is assigned to each project. Students are concurrently enrolled on courses which expose them to the most recent and relevant literature and debates on relevant topics. Students on the following degree programmes are eligible to apply:

All student applications will be assessed by a panel of academic staff. The panel will propose a suitable candidate for the placement. It is highly recommended that organisations interview the proposed candidate to ensure a mutually agreeable fit.

What is the timeline?

Date Action

August – November 2017

Project proposals constructed by host organisations in liaison with the University of Edinburgh.

Tuesday 12, December 2017

Completed project proposal submitted to Student Development Office (ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk). The project form is within this document.

December 2017 Projects advertised to students.

Late January 2018 Students submit applications.

Early February 2018 University Selection Panel meets Proposed student CV and motivation letter sent to host organisation. Host organisation

asked to approve student or request an interview (via Skype if located outside Edinburgh). Please note: host organisations must ensure that a contact within the organisation is available to interview the candidate in February 2018.

Mid-late February 2018

Students notified by the University of application outcome.

March-April 2018 Memorandum of Understanding signed by student, host organisation, and University Programme Director.

Communication between host organisation & student begins; required readings, refinement of research question, method planning etc.)

Late April/May - June 2018

Students on placement: The University will provide academic supervision, as well as administrative oversight,

throughout the placement; The host organisation will be asked to provide a named contact for the student and

University to liaise with on all placement matters.

August 2018 Paper submitted to host organisation, dissertation submitted to University.

MSc Africa and International Development MSc Childhood Studies MSc Comparative Public Policy MSc Global Environment, Politics and Society MSc Global Health and Public Policy MSc Global Health Policy MSc Health Inequalities and Public Policy MSc Health Policy MSc Health Systems and Public Policy MSc International & European Politics

MSc International Development MSc Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and

Governance MSc Medical Anthropology MSc Nationalism Studies MSc Policy Studies MSc Science and Technology in Society MSc Social Research MSc Sociology and Global Change Master of Public Policy

Placement-Based Dissertations: Project Outline Form 2017/18This form should be completed by the key contact in the host organisation and returned to ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk by Tuesday 12 December. Thank you for your interest in the placement scheme and we look forward to working with you.

Organisation details

Name of your organisation:

The number of students you would like to host:

Placements work well with more than one student, but please note that each student must undertake a separate project (to be differentiated below or supplied on separate forms).

Organisation details and context: Please give a brief overview of the organisation’s work/purpose/mission.

Project details

Research Question:

Further details about the research project:

Please tell us: What is the overarching question? What is it, specifically, that your organisation would like to know?

Please detail any key sub-questions and expand on the overall project. More detail will ensure better accuracy when matching students with projects.

Methodology: Please detail how the students will be expected to answer the research questions, for example, desk research, interviews, survey, review of internal document, etc.

Research output and objective: Please explain what you hope to get from resulting research paper, the context of the research and how you might use the student’s work to advance your organisation’s objectives?

Any other project details:

Contact details

Name of the key contact in your organisation:

Key contact email address:

Key contact phone number:

Location of project: This should be the physical street address where the student will be based, not a PO Box

Further details

Proposed start and end date of project:

Projects must take place during May and June, although there is the potential to start in late April.

Additional requirements Specific skills the student should have, e.g. proficiency in a particular language, familiarity with a particular topic or research method, or any other useful attributes.

Local requirements Including Protecting Vulnerable Groups [PVG disclosure], other checks required to be carried out on the student’s background, research permits (including approximate cost of these), or any other paperwork required before the student can undertake their research at your organisation.

Will students be in working with children, young people, or other vulnerable groups at any time (even briefly)?

Please note that students must adhere to local visa and/or research permit requirements. Please confirm that these are detailed above to the best of your knowledge, by ticking the box below:

Yes, these are detailed above to the best of my knowledge ☐

Please get in touch if you have any queries or wish to discuss the Placement-Based Dissertation scheme in more detail. Once complete, please submit the form to the Student Development Office:ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk

Placement Health and Safety ChecklistThe Placement Health and Safety Checklist should be completed if the student will spend time physically based with the organisations or will conduct fieldwork in relation to the placement.

Health and Safety Checklist Yes No

Do you have a written Health and Safety Policy?

Do you have a policy regarding health and safety training?

If so, will you provide all necessary health and safety training for the student?

Is your organisation registered with the Health and Safety Executive or your Local Authority Environmental Health Department?

Insurance

Do you hold Employer and Public Liability Insurance?

Risk Assessment

Do you carry out risk assessments of your work practices?

Are the results of risk assessment implemented?

Accidents and Incidents

Is there a formal procedure for reporting and recording accidents and incidents?

Have you procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to people at work?

Will you report to the University all recorded accidents involving students?

Will you report to the University any sickness involving students which may be attributable to their work?