ENG8042 : Research Skills
ENG8042 : Research Skills
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Milledge
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their critical and appreciative understanding of the principles, practices and importance of management information and its analysis to enhance their ability to conduct rigorous research and to reach sound analytical conclusions which can form the basis for the development of effective practice in management.
The module will cover why and how we do research (evidence, study design) and specific methods of analysis (including interpretation of results)
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover the following topics:
• Professionalism: what professionalism is, and the expectations (professional
competencies) of chartered engineers and scientists are. Professionalism and ethics
in study: apologies, integrity, representation and respect for others and the importance
of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Professional writing: the ability to prepare a document that perfectly conforms to the
norms of technical writing.
• Management information: its importance, planning, formulating research questions
• Introduction to approaches to qualitative and quantitative research
• Communication of research to different audiences
• Introduction to data analysis
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of appropriate research designs and methods to answer
research questions in context
2. Use appropriate approaches to obtain different types of data
3. Interpret and evaluate published business and management research and other evidence
4. Recognise and critically apply appropriate and analytical techniques to process data,
interpret findings and evaluate research
5. Demonstrate ethical awareness in the design of research and the use of findings.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to present data analysis/research findings in ways that
communicate information effectively
2. Critically appraise data and arguments
3. Critically synthesise data from quantitative and qualitative analysis
4. Demonstrate the ability to undertake self-directed learning
5. Demonstrate a critical, evidence-based approach to problem-solving
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 23:00 | 23:00 | Preparation for formative and summative assessments (background reading) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Formative assignments |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Preparation of 2,000 written report |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Feedback on practical and guided independent study |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 47:00 | 47:00 | Background reading and research |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce the core concepts and guide student learning in developing knowledge and understanding. Small-group sessions will provide feedback on learning and skills development.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 100 | Short written report (2000 words max) to demonstrate the students have acquired the relevant skills. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Tasks connected to the summative assessment, to be delivered through four 30-minute Canvas quizzes |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The context of the summative report will have a close connection to the formative tasks, to enable students to build their learning and demonstrate their skills across the topics covered in the course.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ENG8042's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ENG8042's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.