Diploma seminar 2100-SPP-L-D6DISE
The seminar aims to provide students with the skills necessary to work on their diploma thesis. During the seminar, students learn how to analyse a selected issue (research problem) in the field of public or social policy. They learn to design and conduct a simple study, developing the ability to collect and analyze data (existing and evoked) using appropriate techniques. Students learn how to select literature on the subject, including selecting content that will be used in their work. They analyse the socio-economic and cultural determinants of a given issue and how to solve it. As a result of participating in the seminar and preparing their thesis, students acquire the ability to present statistical data and use and expand their knowledge in the area of intellectual property protection. The seminar also aims to develop the ability to produce clear, well-structured and detailed written statements in English on complex topics.
The thesis is prepared in accordance with the guidelines set out in Resolution No. 4 of the University Council for Education of the University of Warsaw of 27 February 2020 and the graduation rules specified by the Didactic Council of the Faculty of Social and Public Policy 42/2025 for the Social and Public Policy programme.
With regard to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the preparation of the thesis, the rules specified in Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education of the University of Warsaw of 8 December 2023 on guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence tools in the education process and in Resolution No. 29/2025 of the Didactic Council of the Faculty of Social and Public Policy (in English 11/2025) of 7 May 2025 on detailed rules for the use of artificial intelligence tools in the education process. The student confirms the scope of use of AI tools by submitting a statement in accordance with the applicable template.
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The student knows and understands
- at the advanced level methods of collecting, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data used in the process of designing and analysing political processes, with particular emphasis on the issues raised in the thesis (K_W02)
- at the advanced level how social and political institutions operate in specific areas of social and public policy, with particular emphasis on: education, public health, social assistance, housing, labour market, social security, family policy, migration and integration policy, as reflected in the thesis topic (K_W05)
- ethical norms of scientific practice in the field of social policy and public policy, as reflected in the thesis (K_W08)
- Has the knowledge to independently analyse a selected social or public policy issue based on a critical analysis of the literature on the subject and statistical data.
- Knows the main sources of data and information on a given issue.
- Knows the basic methods of social research.
The student is able to:
- design and carry out a complex social research project, especially focused on social diagnosis; select appropriate advanced tools and methods, including analytical ones, for research questions and collected data, and justify the choices made, with particular emphasis on the issues addressed in the thesis (K_U01)
- precisely identify the economic, social and cultural determinants of specific social phenomena and apply approaches and theories in interpreting the relationships between phenomena in the context of the issues raised in the thesis (K_U03).
- prepare and present a written and oral presentation presenting a selected social problem, including a complex and unusual problem, and propose solutions to it and justify them, as part of their thesis (K_U06)
- use English language at C1 level, which is demonstrated through the ability to produce clear, well-structured and detailed written statements in English on complex topics related to their thesis (K_U09)
The student is prepared to
- communicate in efficient way the goals and methods of activities in the field of social and public policy, in particular using substantive argumentation relating to scientific knowledge, thanks to work on the thesis and presentations during the seminar (K_K01).
- critically assess available information, including identification of disinformation, propaganda and hate speech in the public debate, thanks to a critical approach to sources and data collected for the purposes of their thesis (K_K03).
- comply with ethical principles in professional life, including taking action against discrimination and social exclusion, as demonstrated through ethical conduct in research and respect for intellectual property rights throughout the thesis preparation process (K_K04).
- Is able to write a coherent thesis on a selected social or public policy issue.
- Is able to place a given social or public policy issue in the context of the functioning of the state and society.
- Is able to apply basic social research methods.
- Acquires the ability to perform a basic analysis of a given social or public policy issue.
Assessment criteria
In order to pass the seminar and obtain permission to take the degree examination, students are required to prepare a thesis in accordance with detailed guidelines.
An additional requirement is participation in seminars addressed to the entire group (two absences are possible) and individual seminars to discuss progress in the thesis. In order to pass the first semester, the theoretical part of the thesis must be accepted by the supervisor.
Practical placement
Not applicable
Bibliography
Determined by a specific lead of seminar
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: