2-YEAR M.A. (SECURITY & DEFENCE LAWS)

SEMESTER - IV

2.4.13. DISSERTATION

Guidelines for Dissertation

The main objective of the dissertation component is to assess the research and writing skills of the students as well as to provide a platform for creative legal scholarship and can be refined and submitted for publication in scholarly journals or even serve as the basis for full-length dissertations in doctoral programmes.

a) Selection of topic and submission of the proposal

The candidates are free to select their Dissertation Topic but it should be relevant to their field of course.

For the purposes of finalization of the Dissertation Topics, the candidates are required to submit 1000 words Dissertation Proposal indicating the proposed Research Scheme.

Upon scrutinizing the Research Scheme, the Course-Coordinator will either approve or reject the proposal. In the event of rejection / modification of the proposed Research Scheme, the candidates will have to re-submit another Research Proposal incorporating the suggested changes within a stipulated time fixed by the Course-Coordinator.

b) Length and format of the Dissertation

The length of the dissertation should normally be between 80-100 pages and should include

• Cover Page
• Certificate signed by the Supervisor
• Declaration signed by the Student
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• Index of Authorities (Statutes / Judgments / Other official sources)
• List of Abbreviations (if required)
• Introduction
• Methodology (Objectives – Scope and Limitations – Sources – Research Questions)
• Main body of dissertation (Divided down into Chapters or Parts)
• Conclusion
• Bibliography (Books – Scholarly articles – Articles from news sources – Internet sources)

c) Submission of dissertation

The candidates are required to submit to the Supervisor a rough draft initially for his/her suggestions/modifications. After incorporating the suggestions/ modifications as suggested by the Supervisor, the candidate should submit two copies of the Dissertation before the deadline notified by the University from time to time.

Evaluation of Dissertation

The written Dissertation will carry a total of 150 marks which will be followed by a Viva-voce examination carrying 50 marks. Dissertation shall be evaluated by one examiner and if a student secures a minimum of 50% marks in the written report, he/she may be called for viva-voce examination. In total, a student should secure a minimum of 50% marks in the Dissertation including the written report and viva-voce examination.