Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       To enable the student to produce a coherent and viable research dissertation proposal in human geography.
•       To enable the student to place their research proposal within the wider research debates and literature of human geography.
•       To enable collaborative learning and presentation opportunities.
•       To develop student awareness of the wider practice of geographical research, including the application of research methodologies and techniques, the use of academic research in wider academic contexts and the dissemination of research findings.
•       To expand student knowledge of research and funding cultures and environments beyond the academy, including the private, public and voluntary sectors, and to develop student awareness of research dissemination issues.

The module engages the students in a variety of the research-based teaching and learning activities in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. The primary aim of the module is to help students develop a viable dissertation proposal, and to do this within the context of teaching and learning about wider practices in human geography research. Students will attend the Geography Research Seminar Series involving a combination of internal and external speakers. In Semester 2, detailed development of the Research Dissertation Proposal is assisted through Research Dissertation Proposal Workshops. In Semester 1, students attend Geographical Imaginations Part I which is a one day postgraduate training event. In Semester 2, students attend Geographical Imaginations Part II which is a one day postgraduate training event where students present their Research Dissertation Proposal to a group of peers.

Assessment of this module is through a written commentary on the Geography Research Seminar Series and an assessed presentation of the dissertation proposal at Geographical Imaginations.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Participation in Geography Research Seminar Series, Semesters 1 and 2.
2. Participation in Geographical Imaginations workshops, Semesters 1.
3. Individual tutorials with Module Leader, Semester 1, to discuss assessed essays and dissertation preparation issues.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

•       A critical understanding of the process of research planning in geographical research.
•       A critical awareness of the range of possible approaches towards the solution of research problems.
•       A critical engagement with leading-edge debates in contemporary human geography research.
•       A critical awareness of the application of contemporary human geography research findings within both academic and non-academic contexts.

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       The ability to plan a research project to a high (Masters-level) standard.
•       The development of oral and written communication skills.
•       The facility to organise the planning and execution of a piece of research to a high standard.
•       The capacity for critical self-reflection and review of individual research practice.
•       The capacity for critical analysis of the wider application of research findings, within and beyond the Academy.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will facilitate student preparation for the dissertation (GEO8089).

Seminars will help students structure their thinking around the dissertation in terms of identifying a suitable topic or theme for research, identifying relevant literatures and conceptual approaches, identifying suitable methodologies and data, and identifying suitable analytic frameworks for data analysis. Drop in sessions will help students think through the dissertation planning and preparation process. Two workshops - one on methodological issues and another based on student-led assessed presentations will further solidify their research training.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The PowerPoint presentation will assess comprehension of the research planning process and practice, and oral communication skills.

The written assessment will assess understanding of the research planning process and written communication skills.

General Notes

N/A