INU3130 : Academic Research Methods (Pre-Master's)
INU3130 : Academic Research Methods (Pre-Master's)
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Mr Darran Shaw
- Co-Module Leader: Mrs Helen Grinsell, Dr Michael Cheng, Mr Neil Hurst
- Owning School: INTO Newcastle University
- 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
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims:
1.To raise students’ awareness of the study skills required for success in UK higher education.
2.To develop students’ skills in researching and planning an extended academic essay.
Outline Of Syllabus
• UK academic culture – differences in approach and expectations, constructivism
• Research methods – the nature of research, library and information skills
• Referencing – underlying principles, the nature and seriousness of plagiarism
• Narrowing your research focus – research questions, selecting sources, reading critically
• Incorporating sources – synthesis, analysis, evaluation
• Planning – the elements of an essay, constructing a line of argument
• Time management – effective strategies
• Acting on feedback – different types, understanding its purpose, how best to utilise it
• Collecting and interpreting primary data – questionnaire design, IT skills (Excel)
• Proof-reading and editing – being self-critical, effective strategies
• Writing abstracts – their purpose, different components
• Revision and exam techniques – efficient and effective strategies suitable for UK HE exams
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1.Recognise differences in expectations and approaches to teaching, learning and assessment between their home country and UK academic culture.
2.Interpret and evaluate primary and secondary research and the methods used.
3.Structure a critical line of argument in academic writing.
4.Apply effective techniques for improving time management, proof-reading and revision skills.
Intended Skill Outcomes
1.Use terminology appropriate to the fields of business and humanities.
2.Locate and research a range of academic sources including proficiency with the library search, subject specific guides, academic databases and newspaper databases.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | In person lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Formative assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 25:00 | 25:00 | Annotated reference list exercise |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 45:00 | 45:00 | Project proposal |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 22 | 2:00 | 44:00 | Seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 59:00 | 59:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures are used to introduce material to students and explain concepts, methodologies and techniques.
Seminars are used to develop skills through discussion, group-work and other guided tasks.
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 | 1 | M | 35 | Annotated reference list exercise (540 words). |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 65 | Project proposal (1000 words) |
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 | 1 | M | Project proposal ideas and reference preparation exercise (250 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment covers the main elements of the research process and requires the utilisation of the key skills developed on this module. The Annotated Reference List assesses the selection, analysis and evaluation of academic sources and the raising of research questions. The Research Proposal assesses the synthesis of ideas, the identification of a research focus and the outlining of an appropriate structure.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- INU3130's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- INU3130's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.