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MSc · Stage 1+2+3

MSc (Stage 1+2+3) Overview

Exit qualification: MSc (Master’s)

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For the MSc award you need to complete Stage 3, having completed the Postgraduate Diploma (or an equivalent award).

This stage is the concluding phase of the MSc qualification.

To be enrolled for the MSc, students must have completed the PG-Diploma in International Taxation (or an equivalent award).

To successfully complete this stage, students are required to work towards the submission of a 15,000 word dissertation.

The aim of the dissertation is to develop a careful and detailed study of a proposed problem or concern in International Taxation. By implementing the knowledge acquired from the PG-Diploma stage. Students are required to conduct sufficient research to consider and respond to the respective problem.

Stage 3 consists of introductory lectures that cover the essentials of topic selection and the guidance to a well-written proposal and a structured dissertation.

Each student will be appointed a supervisor and will be required to book at least three sessions of live online interaction with their supervisor for guidance during the writing of their dissertation.

Stage 3 - Dissertation

The dissertation applies your international taxation knowledge through directed research to explore uncertainties and open new possibilities in practice.

You will undertake a careful, detailed study of a defined problem in international taxation, using the learning from Stages 1 and 2 to frame the issue, gather and evaluate evidence, and produce a clear, defensible recommendation.

The work should demonstrate rigorous analysis, integrate doctrine with real facts, and show sound judgement. A further aim is to extend understanding in the field by generating meaningful questions, fresh concepts, and well-reasoned insights that advance professional practice.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, the student will be able to:

Course Content
  • Engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources within the practice area of International Taxation.
  • Appropriately apply qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation processes to original information/ data within the practice area.
  • Understand and apply ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data and other resources within the practice area.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of the selected dissertation topic, and the relevance thereof in terms of the broader International Taxation arena.
  • Equate the empirical challenges and be able to deal with practical research problems (e.g., collecting, manipulating and analysing data).
  • Develop the ability to design and manage an International Taxation project and apply what has been learned to real-world scenarios.
  • Learn how to deal with the complex inter-relationships of real-world processes.
  • Hone the skills in interpersonal communication, data collection and analysis, report writing, and effective time management, all of which are critical in the extremely demanding and ever-changing world of International Taxation.
Knowledge (understanding)
  • Engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources within the practice area of International Taxation.
  • Appropriately apply qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation processes to original information/ data within the practice area of International Taxation.
  • Understand and apply ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data and other resources within the practice area of International Taxation.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of the selected dissertation topic and the relevance thereof in terms of the broader International Taxation arena.
  • An understanding of the challenges of empirical research and the ability to deal with practical research problems (e.g., collecting, manipulating and analysing data).
Skills (competencies)
  • Develop the ability to design and manage an International Taxation project and link its subject matter to other bodies of taxation knowledge and apply what has been learned to real-world scenarios.
  • Learn how to deal with the complex inter-relationships of real-world processes.
  • Hone the skills in interpersonal communication, data collection and analysis, report writing, and effective time management, all of which are critical in the extremely demanding and ever-changing world of International Taxation.

Assessment scheme

The assessment scheme consists of the following, (per module):

Dissertation (100 Marks): A 15,000-word dissertation to be submitted.

Students must submit their final dissertations on their chosen research topics. Feedback will be given throughout the research project period from approval of the topic until submission.

Postgraduate Programmes in International Tax

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