Support for Developing the Proposal

• The two compulsory courses at the University of Tartu in Semester 1, Introduction to Central and East European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (SVJS.00.006) and Social Science Methodology (SHRG.03.022), are designed to support students in acquiring a solid foundation in CEERE area studies and methodological knowledge in preparation for the MA thesis. Students are recommended to use the research puzzle assignments submitted as part of the Introduction to CEERE course as a basis for developing their MA thesis project. Also, notice how the sections of the MA thesis proposal correspond to the research chain from the Social Science Methodology course. Refer back to the readings and your course notes to help you develop your own project.
• An information session on the MA thesis prospectus will be organised in mid-December of Semester 1. The session will include a briefing on the ethical approval process at the University of Glasgow and students will have the option to sign up for small-group consultations to discuss their thesis topics.
• Students are highly recommended to arrange individual consultation meetings with staff at the University of Tartu to discuss their research topic idea over the course of Semester 1. It is up to the students to take the initiative to arrange these meetings and it is important not to wait until the final weeks of the semester as appointment slots fill up.
• The CEERES programme places a strong emphasis on peer learning. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their thesis ideas and draft MA thesis prospectuses with other members of their cohort for peer feedback.
• During Semester 2 at the University of Glasgow, students will continue to work on developing their thesis project further, taking on board the feedback they received on the initial proposal and in discussions with their supervisors in two formal supervision meetings. Students are highly recommended to take advantage of the University of Glasgow library during Semester 2 to work on developing their literature review. Additional training in research methods will be provided at the methods summer school (further details will be provided nearer the date).