GEO2127 : Research Design and Planning for Physical Geographers
GEO2127 : Research Design and Planning for Physical Geographers
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Nick Cutler
- Lecturer: Dr Matthew Perks, Ms Sarah Cullen, Professor Neil Ross, Professor Rachel Carr, Professor Stuart Dunning, Dr Christopher Hackney, Miss Ailsa McLeod
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| 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
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| GEO2137 | Key Methods for Physical Geographers |
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To further develop the skills acquired in GEO1026: Becoming a Geographer, to focus specifically on preparing for the dissertation (GEO3099).
To complement and support GEO2137: Key Methods for Physical Geographers.
To explore the discipline of physical geography, including its academic history and scientific framework.
To enable students to develop a physical geography dissertation research proposal.
To explore the links between key skills (those required for a degree) and transferable skills (those required for subsequent careers).
Outline Of Syllabus
The scientific method and its application in physical geography research.
Research approaches in physical geography, including the collection and use of primary and secondary data.
Research/experimental design and methods, including developing research questions.
Presenting physical geography data, including the preparation of diagrams and figures.
Tackling the Dissertation Research Plan (DRP): literature reviews; developing links with broader theory; structuring a dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To engage with key geographical debates and identify relevant scientific approaches for conducting physical geography research.
To identify appropriate research topics, problems and questions.
To understand the nature and importance of research design.
To identify and evaluate key elements of critical thinking and research, namely theory and approach, methods and sources.
To analyse and evaluate relevant methods of conducting research and data collection.
To develop an effective research proposal.
Intended Skill Outcomes
To identify, analyse and present all components of independent research.
To locate and evaluate appropriate high quality secondary research.
To assess and critique a range of arguments.
To generate ideas through reading and analysis of existing arguments/debates/models/theories.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 154:30 | 154:30 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:00 | 17:00 | In-person lectures; includes content delivered by the GPS Safety Officers and a colleague from the Careers Service |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Computer practicals with member of staff present. |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Seminar / 1-to-1 meeting preparation. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | In-person seminars, led by academic staff |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Drop-in session with Module Leader in attendance |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 2 | 0:15 | 0:30 | 1-to-1 meeting with GEO2127 DRP Mentor |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Sessions on research skills delivered by colleagues from the University Library |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 1. Overseas expedition opportunities. 2. ‘Dissertation Conference’ (presentations by Stage 3 students; convened by Module Leader). |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This module is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials. The semester 1 lectures, related seminars and tutorials enable students to develop a working knowledge of key ideas relevant to undertaking geographical research. The semester 2 lectures, seminars, practicals and tutorials introduce students to the research process, including the development of their own dissertation research proposals. This mix of teaching enables all components of the theory and practice of independent research to be introduced. It also allows students the time and space to develop their own research proposals, building on content from this and other Stage 2 modules.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 15 | 1 | M | 30 | Group poster to summarise a research topic and identify contested knowledge and research questions |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 2 | M | 70 | 2,400 word Dissertation Research Proposal |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The first assessment (group poster project) tests students’ ability to critically review literature to identify contested ideas and research questions. It also assesses the students' ability to present research findings in a graphical format. Both are key skills required for the successful completion of the Dissertation in Stage 3.
The second assessment – the Dissertation Research Proposal - assesses students’ knowledge, understanding and ability to plan the research process. Again, these are key skills required for the Dissertation.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO2127's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GEO2127's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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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.