Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1. To enable students to design, plan, and conduct independent research on a relevant topic.
2. To develop students' ability to critically engage with literature and identify research gaps.
3. To equip students with the skills to select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
4. To foster the ability to analyse data critically and present findings in a clear, structured manner.
5. To enhance written communication skills, enabling students to synthesise and present complex ideas coherently.
6. To encourage reflection on ethical issues in research and the researcher’s role.
7. To prepare students to present and defend their research findings, both in writing and orally.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine their social science research skills through a combination of flexible learning, one-to-one and group supervisions, and independent study. Students will design and undertake an empirical study on a topic of their choice; however, for those registered as BA Urban Planning or MPlan students, the topic must be related to planning.

During Semester 1, each student will submit draft chapters of their dissertation, including the introduction (with aims, research questions or hypotheses, and objectives), literature review, and methodology. These drafts will receive formative feedback to guide improvement; however, they will not be formally assessed or graded. In Semester 2, students will conduct original research and analysis, culminating in the submission of their completed dissertation at the end of the semester.

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Research Design
4. Research Ethics
5. Data Collection
6. Data Analysis
7. Dissertation Writing

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Students will be aware of the nature and scope of social science research.
2. Demonstrate competence in conducting a literature review (identifying key issues and analysing existing knowledge).
3. Be able to construct and articulate a clear and concise research question or hypothesis with clear aims and objectives for their study.
4. Be able to discuss the process of selecting appropriate research methodologies for investigating specific issues.
5. Identify and respond to ethical dilemmas and research bias.
6. Design and carry out independent empirical research (through building on the above).
7. Analyse, interpret and present their data.
8. Summarise and discuss findings and apply these to existing practice/policy, proposing recommendations where appropriate.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Develop literature search and critical analysis skills.
2. Develop an ability to design and conduct a range of research methodologies, building on knowledge and skills learned in stage 2.
3. Develop research management skills.
4. Develop analytical and communication skills.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation module is designed to assess a student's ability to independently undertake a research project under the guidance of a mentor. The teaching approach combines structured learning, group discussions, and mentoring. Structured sessions will introduce and recap key concepts and issues related to the dissertation process. Group discussions will be student-led, addressing topics and challenges relevant to developing the research project, including data analysis and interpretation later in the module.

In addition to guided learning, the module emphasises private study, offering students the opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest while honing their critical thinking and reflective research skills. This independent work fosters a deeper understanding of the research process and allows students to engage with the subject matter in greater depth.

Ongoing support is provided through the mentoring system, where the mentor assists in navigating the various stages of the research process, ensuring students receive guidance and feedback throughout their project.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

In the first semester, students are assessed on their ability to develop a coherent research strategy. This includes the selection of the research topic, formulation of research questions, review of relevant literature, and choice of methodology. The submission of the risk assessment and ethical approval forms is mandatory and failure to submit will result in the module being failed overall. These tasks are designed to prepare students for effective research planning and the initial stages of their project.

In the second semester, the assessment focus shifts to the students' ability to analyse data and develop writing skills. This phase emphasises refining the capacity to critically engage with data and clearly communicate research findings.

The dissertation is ultimately assessed based on the scope and rigor of the empirical study, evaluating the student’s ability to design and implement a successful research project. The assessment further considers the strength of the student’s analytical abilities and their proficiency in written communication, ensuring the research project is both methodologically sound and well-articulated.

General Notes

N/A