Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

The course aims to give students the ability to undertake and critically evaluate an independent research project specific to their PGT programme. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the key elements of a research design covering ontology and epistemology, various methodological approaches, and methods of data collection and analysis. The theoretical basis of the course will be supported by the expert sessions, showcasing a method's use in a real-life research project. Practical elements will be discussed and practiced such as research questions; choosing a research topic; or doing a literature review.

The course aims to develop students' theoretical and practical knowledge of key elements of a research design, and the ability to conduct research relevant to a dissertation.

The course is delivered in semester 1, as weekly:

■ 1-hour online-lectures, and

■ 2-hour tutorials

10 Lectures are delivered online anytime (asynchronous), a timetable slot is reserved Monday 12:00-13:00 for students to follow the lectures.

The tutorials are delivered in-person Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

None

SPS5034 (PGT Research Design, withdrawn)

SPS5037 (PGT Qualitative Methods, withdrawn)

SPS5041 (PGR Research Design)

SPS5042 (PGR Qualitative Methods)

None

Students will submit a Research Proposal (100%, 3500words) which will outline their research approach and its justification in light of the scenario and objectives set. They should select one suitable method of inquiry and justify its use and suitability for the research topic chosen. A discussion of potential ethical considerations in this research process, reflexivity, practicalities and potential ways of analysing the data produced should also be included.

Students will be required to reflect critically on feedback received on the proposal prior in the term as part of the formative assignment (see below).

The aim of the course is to provide students with the ability to undertake and critically evaluate an independent research project, with a particular focus on research designs relevant to the MSc(s) in fields of Sociology, Criminology, Migration, and Health. This will take a largely qualitative focus supplemented with quantitative elements to enhance students' ability to critically contrast research designs. 

Through the tutorials students' will critically discussion of themes and approaches explored in the lecture, and apply specific aspects of designing a research project. This will be carried out via in-class discussions and (group-) exercises.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate their knowledge of research design within the research process, and their ability to identify its different but connecting elements e.g. the interconnecting nature of the research question with methodological approach and methods.

■ Apply the key practical elements of a research design. including, but not limited to, formulating a research question(s), identifying and formulating a manageable and 'doable' research topic, and planning the different ways in which research can be presented.

■ Analyse the theoretical, political and cultural context of one's research agenda.

■ Evaluate critically the different epistemological and ontological positions inherent in different qualitative approaches, as well as principles of good and ethical practice.

■ Create a manageable and reflective (with respect to context, onto-/epistemology, and good research practice) research design for a distinct research project.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.