Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

Politics research can take many forms and use a wide variety of data. This course introduces students to key concepts used in both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as range of research methods and methodologies. It covers both the theoretical underpinnings of different approaches, and the practical steps to collect and analyse various sorts of data. Lectures introduce key topics, ideas and debates. Seminars provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing a research design, collecting, and analysing data. The course will equip students with knowledge and skills which are applicable to both their undergraduate dissertation in Politics and subsequent careers.

Outline Of Syllabus

In any given year, topics covered may include:
•       Theoretical approaches
•       Research questions and hypotheses
•       Surveys
•       Interviews and focus groups
•       Ethnography
•       Ethics and research methods
•       Case studies and comparative method
•       Content analysis
•       Discourse analysis
•       Reporting findings and writing up

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Understand different theoretical approaches to research, such as positivism, interpretivism and poststructuralism.
2. Understand and engage with key qualitative and quantitative methods, and key concepts such as objectivity, reflexivity and discourse.
3. Understand a variety of methods used to collect and analyse data in the study of politics, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, comparative case studies, content analysis and discourse analysis.
4. Be aware of the importance of research ethics and understand how to integrate ethics into a research design.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Explain the relationship between theory and research.
2. Critically analyse published research, assessing both the methods and the findings.
3. Formulate appropriate research questions and hypotheses to address questions related to the study of politics.
4. Develop an effective research design, justifying the theory as well as the practical decisions, such as sampling and measurement.
5. Collect and analyse different types of data using a variety of methods.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the key terms, concepts, and methods associated with researching politics. They also help contextualize data collection and analysis methods within e.g. positivism and poststructuralism. Seminars provide a live, synchronous environment in which students can discuss essential readings and specific methods. The in-person module talk gives students the opportunity to ask questions of the ML regarding the on demand lecture. The time may also be used to expand on recorded lectures and clarify key themes. Structured, guided learning activities such as annotated readings encourage students to engage consistently with the essential readings and specific methods taught.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The unseen digital exam (60%) is designed to test students’ understanding of general course content and learning outcomes, and will do so through an open-note essay based exam. Students will be encouraged to bring their course seminar notes as a support tool to address the unseen prompt using course materials and the students’ own detailed notes. The prompt will address the entirety of the course: core course concepts taught in Weeks 1-3, test their understanding of research questions and design taught in Week 4, and one or more of the methods taught during Weeks 5-10. We will offer extensive exam preparation in Week 11’s lectures and seminars, as well as appropriate materials on Canvas.

The 1500-word research proposal (40%) is designed to develop and assess students’ skills in identifying and designing an independent research project. Using the understanding of research methods and design, coupled with instruction from the University Library staff, this essay will test students’ understanding of good research principles. Feedback on this assessment will offer students constructive advice on their understanding of course materials, essay structure and writing style, and prepare them for their final exam.

The 300-word formative assessment will ask students to submit their proposed research question for their research report, as well as the justification of its social and academic relevance. This is intended to give students an opportunity to obtain feedback on their research topic before undertaking their full research proposal, meaning they can incorporate the constructive feedback to help guide their preparation for their mid-semester essay.

General Notes

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