The MA Dissertation Conference is hosted annually by students of the PAIS Department, University of Warwick. The conference aims to provide a platform for MA students to present their provisional dissertation plans and discuss their ideas with academics and peers to help them refine and improve their plans prior to the deadline.

Whilst we recognise the importance of peer-to-peer learning and a relaxed atmosphere for constructive feedback on current research, we also want to bring participants into contact with the newest research, research methods and topics conducted by experts. This year, we have invited Renske Doorenspleet, Catherine Jones, and Ben Richardson, three experts from their perspective fields to be our esteemed keynote speakers for the Dissertation Conference.

Furthermore, this year we have decided to round up the conference with a riveting panel discussion on the future of globalization. Our three expert panellists, Madeleine Fagan, Marijn Nieuwenhuis, Shirin Rai will give their opinions, analysis and projections on the topic, which will touch on many of the issues raised during the conference and will no doubt entail some heated debate!

Finally to give you as much and as well-rounded support as possible we have invited Warwick PAIS PhD students to participate in our dissertation clinics! The Dissertation Clinics will be informal drop-in sessions conducted at specific times throughout the day that allow you to meet with a PhD student from the same academic field and ask them specific questions with regards to your topic or research methods. Many of them will also be leading the break-out sessions where you will able to present and discuss your dissertation plans.

The event is surely one not to be missed! Not only will it provide much needed support, direction and feedback on your research and proposed methods but it is a great opportunity to engage with experts on their own research, pitfalls they’ve encountered and strategies to avoid them. IF that wasn’t enough…. there will be free tea, coffee and snacks available throughout the conference, with buffet lunches provided both days. Ideally, you should not be coming just for the food and drink, but hey, your brain does require energy to function The closing ceremony will be followed by a BBQ, held on the grounds, including a celebration and a musical treat to finish on a high!

More details, and to register, here.