Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1. To develop student skills in undertaking a literature review.
2. To enable students to develop their own research proposals.
3. To give an extended opportunity for individuals to undertake a piece of independent empirical research and develop their research skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module offers students the opportunity to develop and practice their social science research skills through a combination of flexible learning, 1-1 and group supervisions and independent study. The student will design and undertake an empirical study on a topic of their choosing (this must be planning related if registered as a BA Urban Planning /MPlan student). During Semester 1 each student will submit draft introduction, literature review and methodology chapters of their dissertation for formative assessment and detailed feedback. In Semester Two each students will conduct original research and analysis before submitting their dissertation at the end of the semester.
1. Introduction
2. Conducting a Literature Review - sources, searches, constructing an argument and referencing.
3. Developing your research questions, aims and objectives.
4. Research design.
5. Ethics and the role of the researcher revision.
6. Developing your ideas.
7. Working with your data.
8. Writing your dissertation

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 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 is devised to assess a student’s capacity to undertake an individual (mentored) research project. Teaching methods combine structured guided learning, with group discussion, and mentoring; structured sessions will be used to introduce and recap key concepts and issues relating to a dissertation, group discussion (board) sessions will comprise of student led issues to help students develop their proposals and later in the module also work through issues with data and analysis. The module also requires private study providing an opportunity for students to research a topic of interest to them and develop critical and reflective research skills and understanding of the research process. Additional teaching and learning support is offered by the supervisory system.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The research proposal assessment (Semester One) tests the ability to devise a research strategy with a reasoned discussion of topic, question(s), literature and choice of methodological approach – this will require submission of risk and ethical approval forms. The dissertation is assessed for the scope and rigour of the empirical study and the extent to which it demonstrates an ability to devise and carry out a successful research project, including analytical and written communication skills.

General Notes

N/A