How should I compare postgraduate education courses that require a research dissertation with those assessed through applied projects if I want policy work?
For policy work, compare whether each course develops the balance of research and implementation skills you need. A dissertation may provide deeper practice in designing research, analysing evidence and defending conclusions; applied projects may offer experience producing policy briefs, evaluations or recommendations for a practical audience. Review assessment methods, supervision, stakeholder or placement opportunities, methods training, and the kinds of work you can show employers.
Key points
- Check whether the dissertation or project involves policy-relevant questions, qualitative or quantitative methods, and real-world evidence.
- Compare the final outputs: an academic thesis, policy brief, evaluation report, presentation, or portfolio may demonstrate different capabilities.
- Look for opportunities to work with public bodies, charities, think tanks or other external organisations, while checking how guaranteed or optional those opportunities are.
Things to check
- Course titles do not determine the experience: structure, supervision, assessment and external partnerships vary by university, subject and country.
- Confirm details in the current official course information and ask how previous students' work is assessed and used.