GEO8015 : Doing Geographical Research
GEO8015 : Doing Geographical Research
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ingrid A. Medby
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• To enable the student to produce a coherent and viable research dissertation proposal in human geography.
• To enable the student to place their research proposal within the wider research debates and literature of human geography.
• To enable collaborative learning and presentation opportunities.
• To develop student awareness of the wider practice of geographical research, including the application of research methodologies and techniques, the use of academic research in wider academic contexts and the dissemination of research findings.
• To expand student knowledge of research and funding cultures and environments beyond the academy, including the private, public and voluntary sectors, and to develop student awareness of research dissemination issues.
The module engages the students in a variety of the research-based teaching and learning activities in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. The primary aim of the module is to help students develop a viable dissertation proposal, and to do this within the context of teaching and learning about wider practices in human geography research. Students will attend the Geography Research Seminar Series involving a combination of internal and external speakers. In Semester 2, detailed development of the Research Dissertation Proposal is assisted through Research Dissertation Proposal Workshops. In Semester 1, students attend Geographical Imaginations Part I which is a one day postgraduate training event. In Semester 2, students attend Geographical Imaginations Part II which is a one day postgraduate training event where students present their Research Dissertation Proposal to a group of peers.
Assessment of this module is through a written commentary on the Geography Research Seminar Series and an assessed presentation of the dissertation proposal at Geographical Imaginations.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. Participation in Geography Research Seminar Series, Semesters 1 and 2.
2. Participation in Geographical Imaginations workshops, Semesters 1.
3. Individual tutorials with Module Leader, Semester 1, to discuss assessed essays and dissertation preparation issues.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
• A critical understanding of the process of research planning in geographical research.
• A critical awareness of the range of possible approaches towards the solution of research problems.
• A critical engagement with leading-edge debates in contemporary human geography research.
• A critical awareness of the application of contemporary human geography research findings within both academic and non-academic contexts.
Intended Skill Outcomes
• The ability to plan a research project to a high (Masters-level) standard.
• The development of oral and written communication skills.
• The facility to organise the planning and execution of a piece of research to a high standard.
• The capacity for critical self-reflection and review of individual research practice.
• The capacity for critical analysis of the wider application of research findings, within and beyond the Academy.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 86:00 | 86:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | PiP |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Drop-in surgery hour - with Module Leader |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Departmental seminars - PiP |
Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module will facilitate student preparation for the dissertation (GEO8089).
Seminars will help students structure their thinking around the dissertation in terms of identifying a suitable topic or theme for research, identifying relevant literatures and conceptual approaches, identifying suitable methodologies and data, and identifying suitable analytic frameworks for data analysis. Drop in sessions will help students think through the dissertation planning and preparation process. Two workshops - one on methodological issues and another based on student-led assessed presentations will further solidify their research training.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral Presentation | 15 | 1 | M | 50 | Powerpoint presentation of Research dissertation at Geographical Imaginations. To be scheduled by School. |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | 1 | M | 50 | 2,000 word written commentary on approved University seminars |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The PowerPoint presentation will assess comprehension of the research planning process and practice, and oral communication skills.
The written assessment will assess understanding of the research planning process and written communication skills.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO8015's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GEO8015's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.