Course coordinator
Dr Allan Hernandez Chanto
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
Students are required to complete a research thesis on a selected topic within their area of major interest. (If enrolling in this course across 2 semesters: Students commencing in semester 1 must enrol in ECON7933 for both semesters. Students commencing in semester 2 must enrol in ECON7934 for both semesters. Students enrolling in a single semester must enrol in ECON7930).
Course Overview
This course enables students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research. Enrollment requires successful completion of ECON7950 (Research Methods), during which students developed a research proposal. Students are expected to build on this proposal and complete a thesis in their chosen field.
Students will conduct comprehensive library research and produce a 20,000-word thesis that meets high academic standards. The course promotes critical thinking and informed judgment, allowing students to apply economic theory and analysis from their postgraduate Master’s program.
Thesis Expectations
✅ There are no predefined research topics. However, the thesis should relate to the research methods course, where students would have critically reviewed academic literature on a topic of particular interest.
❌ The thesis is not a mere literature review or a summary of existing regulations or policies.
✅ Instead, students are expected to apply empirical methods—such as data analysis or econometrics—to critically examine an economic issue, policy, or established theory.
The research should aim to be original and contribute—even in a small way—to the advancement of economic knowledge.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students must haveﾠpassed ECON7920 (/7921/7922) or ECON7950 before they are allowed to enrol in the ECON7930 Thesis.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(ECON7310 or 7350 or 7360 + 7920 or 7950) or (ECON2300 or 3300 or 3350 or 3360 + 7920 or 7950)
Restrictions
Permission from Head of School (Summer only)
Course contact
School enquiries
School Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed to enquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer.ﾠ
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Allan Hernandez Chanto
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Lectures
Since students are expected to conduct independent research, lectures are limited to a single session during the semester. Lecture details will be available on Blackboard.
Consultation with Thesis Supervisor
When selecting a Master’s Thesis topic, students should consult an academic staff member in the School of Economics who is best suited to advise on their research. Ideally, students will have already identified potential supervisors through their coursework, particularly while developing their research proposal in ECON7950.
Students can explore the research areas and recent publications of academic staff at:
Finding a Supervisor
✔️ Students must secure a supervisor before the semester begins.
✔️ Not all academic staff are available for supervision due to existing research commitments, so early consultation is essential.
✔️ Early engagement allows students to conduct preliminary reading, assess data availability, and refine analytical methods for their thesis.
⏳ By the end of Week 2 at the latest, students must:
✅ Finalize their thesis topic and supervisor.
✅ Submit the supervisor’s name (and school affiliation) and thesis topic to econ.pgrad@uq.edu.au.
Mid-Semester Requirement: To facilitate examiner selection, students must submit a 200-word abstract of their thesis to econ.pgrad@uq.edu.au.
Regular Meetings with Supervisors
- Students who have not secured a supervisor should contact the course coordinator for assistance.
- Once a supervisor is confirmed, students should meet regularly—at least once every two weeks, ideally weekly, at a mutually agreed time.
Aims and outcomes
The purposes of the Thesis are:
- To encourage you to undertake independent research and foster the necessary academic skills.
- To provide the means by which you can demonstrate your ability to undertake research at a professional standard and communicate your findings in a professionally acceptable way.
- To further your expertise in economics.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate that you can conduct independent research work.
LO2.
Write up your research undertaken at a high academic standard.
LO3.
Think critically and make informed judgement.
LO4.
Communicate what you do in the written form.
LO5.
Achieve a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in your field.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis | Thesis Submission | 100% |
30/05/2025 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Thesis Submission
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 100%
- Due date
30/05/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students are permitted to use AI appropriately in their work; however, all instances of AI usage must be clearly referenced. Failure to do so may constitute academic misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Research Approach
Your thesis may be empirical or conceptual. However, bear in mind that conceptual research is often more challenging.
A strong thesis should exhibit a clear thematic structure. The introduction must clearly outline the research objectives and the techniques employed. It may also be beneficial to include a brief literature review on directly relevant topics. Arguments should be presented systematically in a logical and coherent manner. Each chapter should begin with an explanation of its role within the thesis to guide the reader effectively. The progression of the thesis should be structured to lead as directly as possible to a logical conclusion.
Assessment will be based not only on the discussion and conclusions but also on the research process, the strength of the argument, and the overall presentation quality.
Thesis Structure
Every thesis must include the following components in addition to the main research exposition:
- Introduction: Includes background information, research objectives, significance of the study, research questions and/or hypotheses, and an outline of the thesis structure.
- Theoretical Framework: Discusses the relevant economic theories underpinning the research. If no established economic theory applies, this section should justify why economic expertise is necessary and relevant.
- Literature Review: Critically examines recent economic and related literature. This section should be more focused than the broader literature review presented in the Research Methods report.
- Data Analysis (if applicable): Describes data sources, potential limitations, and the analytical techniques employed.
- Results: Presents findings from the analysis.
- Discussion and Conclusion: Analyzes the implications and limitations of the research. The conclusion should not merely summarize previous chapters but should include policy recommendations (if applicable) and suggestions for future research.
Language and Writing Standards
A high standard of English is expected. You are encouraged to consult academic writing resources. Your advisor can offer guidance but will not correct poor writing. Non-native English speakers should seek proofreading assistance from peers.
Draft Submission
You should submit a draft to your advisor at least two weeks before the due date to receive feedback. It is advisable to submit individual chapters progressively throughout the semester. Last-minute submissions often result in avoidable errors and may impact grading.
Length
The thesis should be 20,000 words, including footnotes but excluding tables, figures, and references.
Formatting Guidelines
Paper Size: A4 (297 x 210 mm)
- Font: Preferably 12-point (minimum 11-point for body text; smaller fonts acceptable in tables/figures)
- Line Spacing: Double spacing (1.5 spacing is allowed)
- Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 2cm; Top and Bottom: 2cm
- Pagination: Consecutive page numbering
- Submission: Electronic submission via Turnitin on Blackboard (no hard copies required)
Required Thesis Sections
- Title Page
- The University of Queensland
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
- School of Economics
- Thesis title (in full)
- Course name and degree program
- Candidate's name and previous degrees
- Acknowledgements
- Declaration Statement (Signed copy required)
- Confirms originality of work and specifies thesis length
- Abstract (Max: 200 words)
- Outlines the research aims, scope, conclusions, and key terms (up to six)
- Table of Contents
- Lists of Figures, Tables, Illustrations, and Diagrams
- Acronyms and Abbreviations
- Main Thesis Chapters
- References (Consistent citation style required, Harvard preferred)
- Appendices (if applicable)
Footnotes, Tables, and Figures
- Footnotes should be used sparingly and are included in the word count.
- Tables, figures, and references are excluded from the word count.
- Large tables should be placed in an appendix.
Referencing and Plagiarism
Proper referencing is mandatory. Failure to acknowledge sources may result in penalties. Examiners may recognize unreferenced quotations, which can affect your grade.
- The School of Economics does not mandate a specific citation style, but consistency is required throughout the document.
- The UQ Library provides comprehensive referencing guides.
- Acts of plagiarism are taken seriously. Carefully review Section 6 of the ECP regarding plagiarism and academic misconduct.
Using Previous Research
If your thesis builds upon your ECON7950 Research Proposal, you must clearly reference specific sections rather than copying large portions of text. Citation format:
(Your surname, year, p. ?) e.g., (Anthony, 2018, p. 3)
Example reference entry: Anthony, J. (2019). Food security in India: Achievements and challenges. Research proposal submitted for ECON7950 (Research Methods in Economics).
Ensure compliance with PPL 3.60.04 – Section 2[e] regarding recycled work.
Submission and Assessment
- Only electronic submissions via Turnitin on Blackboard are accepted.
- The marking criteria can be accessed via Learn.UQ or mySI-net.
- Late submissions may incur penalties.
Exercise utmost caution in using both your own and external sources to avoid academic misconduct.
Submission guidelines
ONLY an electronic copy must be submitted via the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site by the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Note that computer problems are not acceptable reasons for requesting an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late Submission and Graduation Implications
Submitting an assignment after the due date may delay finalization of your grade. If you intend to graduate in the ceremony immediately following the exam period, timely submission is crucial, as results cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student's final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary Assessment
Additional assessment information
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. Further information on plagiarism and how to avoid an allegation of plagiarism is available in this course profile under Policies and Procedures. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Modules (AIM). It is strongly recommended that you complete the AIM if you have not already done so.
Students can cite their own work previously submitted in the project course (ECON7950). Re-submitting the same work without citing, re-writing, summarizing, paraphrasing, etc. is considered self-plagiarism.
Submission of Thesis
All assignments must be submitted by the due date and time stated in the course profile. For this course, ONLYﾠan electronic copy of the thesis must be submitted via the TurnItIn link on the course Blackboard site.ﾠ
Turnitin
You should submit your work through Turnitin on a regular basis to help you with the way you present material in the Report.
Contact with your Advisor
You should discuss with your advisor the structure of the thesis and anyﾠissues that you think are important. The advisor should be in the position to offer you advice about this and to make suggestions.
You are required to submit a draft of the thesis to your advisor at least 2 weeks before the due date. This will provide your advisor with time to provide comments on the draft so that you can incorporate the comments in the final draft.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Bibliography Style
The School of Economics does not mandate a specific referencing style, but the Harvard style is commonly used. The key requirement is that whichever style you choose, it must be applied consistently throughout your document.
Examiners strictly assess consistency in citation styles, and using multiple styles is discouraged. To ensure proper referencing, refer to the UQ Library's comprehensive referencing guide, available at:
These guides are regularly updated to reflect the latest versions of referencing styles.
Accessing Previous Theses
Printed theses (pre-2011) can be found in the Central Library.
Post-2011 theses are available in electronic format via the library’s e-space.
If you have difficulty locating past School of Economics theses, contact the library at bel@library.uq.edu.au.
Seeking Advice
You should meet regularly with your advisor.
You are also encouraged to seek advice from other academic staff with expertise in relevant areas.
Funding for Additional Resources
When selecting a thesis topic, ensure that:
✅ It relates to a course you have studied.
✅ It aligns with your advisor’s research interests.
❌ Topics requiring significant School research funding may not be approved.
If you require special resources unavailable at the University Library, inform your advisor in advance. Your advisor must have the opportunity to review any external material used in your thesis.
Student Services and Academic Writing Support
Student Services offers learning workshops throughout the semester covering:
✔️ Grammar and academic writing conventions
✔️ Incorporating graphs and tables
✔️ Managing reading loads
✔️ Writing literature reviews and annotated bibliographies
✔️ Referencing correctly and avoiding plagiarism
Workshop schedule and booking: Student Services Learning Resources
Academic Writing Resources
The Social Sciences & Humanities Library provides useful resources on academic writing. Try searching for:
- Dissertations, Academic – Authorship
- Academic Writing – Handbooks, Manuals, etc.
- English Language – Rhetoric
Relevant call numbers: LB2369 or PN146
For non-native English speakers, additional resources are available at:
Presentation and Writing Skills Training
The Library and Student Centre provide academic writing sessions. Downloadable resources are available at:
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Meeting with Coordinator Discussion regarding requirements of thesis, guidelines for the presentation of thesis, choice of supervisor, milestones due, contact details for assistance. For assistance with the various datasets available at UQ or for an introduction to Endnote, please contact Economics' Librarian Debbie Martin (d.martin@library.uq.edu.au). |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Research and Write thesis Conduct research, undertake analysis and write thesis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.