The module enables students to produce original investigative research on an environmental topic involving climate change and society. The student project identifies an issue which can be examined through fieldwork and/or by library/archival investigation. Students are encouraged to do fieldwork or gather other information, as appropriate, during the summer vacation prior to Level 6. An academic supervisor is allocated to each student to provide guidance on the project.

1. 30-minute viva voce examination towards the end of Teaching Block 1 (Learning Outcomes 1-3).
2. One 9000-word project document (Learning Outcomes 1-3).

The viva voce is designed to enable you to provide evidence of knowledge relating to your project and to discuss this in a clear and coherent manner. You will receive full guidance on the process of planning for your viva and the questions you will be asked. You will submit a full draft of your project before the viva. Your viva will take place with two tutors; one will be your project supervisor. Following your viva, you can expect written feedback to enable you to improve your project before final submission.

Full guidance on the typical content and format of the project will be provided in the module handbook, in class and through the support provided by your project supervisor.

Support will be given by staff in three forms (i) general sessions (5 hours) for the whole group which provide information on time management, data analysis, report format and assessment criteria (ii) one-to-one supervisor sessions (a minimum of 8 hour-long meetings; a maximum of 12) for specific project guidance and iii) the viva voce interview. The student will primarily be engaged in independent learning involving planning data collection (including fieldwork), analysis and presentation. The module is supported and underpinned by a project preparation and planning element at Level 5 in the module ‘Researching the Climate Crisis’.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Organise a research project through each of its stages, working independently.

University Learning Outcome
Analysis, Enquiry Knowledge & Understanding Learning Problem Solving Communication

Module Learning Outcome
2. Critically interpret the real world through the application of appropriate concepts and identify implications for these concepts arising from this experience.

University Learning Outcome
Application Reflection

Module Learning Outcome
3. Produce a substantial piece of systematic and analytical research work corresponding to stipulated guidelines.

University Learning Outcome
Application Reflection

These will vary according to the nature of the project, but will commonly include:
University Library, IT, internet and email facilities, access to GIS and other software, access to laboratories and laboratory equipment, access to field equipment, audio-visual recording equipment, appropriate secondary data sets and VLE.
Data manipulation and Statistical Packages such as MS Excel and SPSSX
NVivo Software
Qualtrics
ArcGIS
Google Earth VR

Clifford, N. and Cope, M. 2016. Key Methods in Geography (3rd edition). Sage Publications.
Gomez, B. and Jones, J.P. 2010. Research Methods in Geography. Wiley-Blackwell.
Kanazawa, M. 2017. Research Methods in Environmental Studies. Routledge.
Parsons, T. and Knight, P.G. 2015. How to do your dissertation in Geography and related disciplines (3rd Edition). Chapman & Hall.

None

What aspect of climate change and its impacts on society are you really interested in? This module gives you the opportunity to focus on a topic that motivates and appeals to you. You will design and research a project from start to finish, using the skills that you have acquired as part of your studies. The independent project will develop your investigative powers, your critical thinking and your communication skills, all of which will benefit you in your future career.