The course provides an opportunity for students on the MSc in Urban Analytics to work collaboratively on group project. They will use the full range of their knowledge and skills developed in other areas of the programme to: specify an analytical need; identify appropriate data to address the need; manage and analyse the data; and present an analytical report. They will also reflect on the process and on their contribution.

The course will be delivered through 3 hourly blocks, once per week, over 9 consecutive weeks. In early weeks, there will be a lecturing contribution (5 hours total). There will also be seminar presentations by the groups on the initial stages of their work (5 hours). In the remainder of the time, students will be working in their groups but with teaching staff actively observing, questioning and providing feedback.

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The majority of the weight will be given to the group's Project Report (4-6000 words - 60%), to be written in the style of a formal research report, and covering the aims of the study, methods and analytical results. Additional weight will be given to the group's oral presentation of the report (15%). Lastly, each individual will write a self-reflective assessment of the process (1000 words report - 25%), focussing on how well their group's report achieved its aims, and assessing their performance within the group and reflecting on lessons they would take forward into future group project situations.

The aims of this course are to:

■ Provide an urban analysis challenge or help students define one to which they can apply the range knowledge and skills they have developed in other parts of the course.

■ Provide an opportunity for students to work collaboratively on an urban analysis challenge, using appropriate collaboration tools or environments. 

■ Ensure students can reflect self-critically on their role within a team or small group situation.

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

■ Identify appropriate data to address a particular analytical need, and critically assess their quality

■ Apply their knowledge and skills to make appropriate decisions in managing and analysing data, and in presenting results 

■ Convey research findings efficiently and effectively both in writing and orally

■ Reflect self-critically on the extent to which they have met a given research brief or analytical challenge

■ Reflect self-critically on their performance within a group work setting

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