Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The Linked Research Project (LRP) (TCP8025) is designed to give students the opportunity to work on an academic research project at an advanced level. Research is linked to that of a member of academic staff in one of the fields of their current research.

The aims of the LRP are to allow students to:

• Gain greater access to the body of expertise, literature, and data associated with a specialised field of study;
• Develop a specialist capability within an area of planning or regulatory activity; and
• Generate academic materials for publication in high-quality journals.

The objective of TCP8025 is therefore to provide first-hand experience in the application of research methods and techniques to a planning-related issue or problem.

The LRP is an academic piece of research. It is not a practice issues report, nor a consultancy report; although the subject of the research may be a planning issue. The LRP should produce research of a high academic standard, of a quality which should be publishable in an academic journal. The LRP also provides an opportunity to improve certain skills, including report writing and graphic skills in research.

Outline Of Syllabus

The academic member of staff is responsible for the development of a programme of work including staff-led lectures and seminars delivered on-line in real-time, providing student reading and organising student seminars. The work in the first half of Semester 1 is to provide a context for the development of the research project during the remainder of Semester 1.

It is expected that students will make a contribution to formulating the aims, objectives and scope of the research project element during Semester 1.

Precise research projects will be set up within each LRP, in Semester 1, with between 2 and 6 students on each project. The second half of Semester 1 will be concerned with developing the analytical and theoretical framework for the study, identifying data and information sources.

Students should be ready at the beginning of Semester 2 to commence collection of data. The remainder of Semester 2 will be devoted to data and information analysis and report writing. Staff are expected to be actively involved in each project, both during the development of the research projects in Semester 1, and during the data and information analysis stage in Semester 2.

The Module Leader will provide support and oversight to both staff leading individual LRPs and all of the students.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Knowledge of application of advanced research methods to a planning issue; and
2. In depth knowledge of the research subject under investigation

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. The development of analytical and research skills;
2. The ability to undertake and manage a research project.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Small group teaching materials provide framing for the module and briefings for individual LRP topics. The initial semester 1 seminars are accompanied by structured reading activities to further introduce students to their chosen LRP topic area. Further small group discussions and guided reading provide support for the developing of the research methodology and analytical framework to be used in research. Student led group activities focus on developing and managing the research projects.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The initial portfolio comprises a critically annotated bibliography of relevant literature and research materials gathered during semester 1 and provides the opportunity to assess knowledge and understanding of the applicability of research methodology. The written research report permits an assessment of the quality and capability of the students undertaking and managing the research project.

General Notes

N/A