This module will develop your research and technical writing skills. With guidance from a supervisor, you will plan an urban sustainability research project on a topic or problem of your choice, implement your research plan to collect the information and data that you require to explore your chosen topic, analyse, and discuss the findings of your research. You will have the choice of presenting your findings in either a traditional dissertation format or as a policy briefing document. For students in relevant employment or volunteering roles, projects may be carried out in the workplace subject to discussions between the employer/line manager/supervisor, student and project supervisor.

A. Project proposal equivalent to 1,750 words weighted at 0% but must be passed in order to pass the module (assesses learning outcomes 1 & 2)

B. Either 12,000-word dissertation or a 12,000-word policy brief (100%) - to assess learning outcomes 3, 4, & 5.

Formative feedback will be provided via regular on-line tutorial discussions, on submission of draft sections of the dissertation or policy briefing and / or on one full draft of the dissertation/policy briefing prior to final submission.

Early in the module you will be allocated an individual supervisor who will have responsibility for guiding you through both the design and implementation of your research project. It will be the joint responsibility of you and your supervisor to design a schedule for producing a project proposal, implementing data and information gathering and writing up your findings, and which has clear targets against which you can monitor your progress. Regular progress report meetings between you and your supervisor form an integral part of this project management process and enable both you and your supervisor to review progress and identify and discuss any emerging issues with the research. You will be encouraged to complete and submit drafts of your project work to your supervisor at appropriate points throughout the module and a complete final draft of the dissertation / policy briefing for formative feedback at least four weeks before the final submission deadline

To assist you a project handbook will be issued. This will provide information about the administrative arrangements for the research project; guidance on the characteristics and objectives of the research project; conventions governing the organisation and presentation of your research as either a traditional dissertation or as a policy briefing; the criteria for assessment and the assessment procedures.

Module Learning Outcome

University Learning Outcome

1. Competently and systematically demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of appropriate research approaches, methodologies, and techniques to apply to a research project focusing on urban environmental and sustainability issues

Knowledge and Understanding; Learning

2. Investigate and critically evaluate potential research designs and choose and justify an appropriate research methodology demonstrating evidence of initiative in problem solving, and produce a viable research proposal

Learning; Analysis; Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and systematic understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of a chosen sustainability topic

Knowledge and Understanding; Application; Enquiry; Reflection

4. Demonstrate appropriate data and information gathering, analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluation of the findings to place then in context, recognise methodological limitations and identify further work

Enquiry; Analysis; Application; Reflection

5. Produce an organised, logically planned and executed research document on a chosen sustainability topic that clearly communicates the key findings and conclusions from a piece of independently executed urban sustainability research

Communication

Clark, T. et al. (2021) Bryman’s Social Research Methods (6th edition) OUP Oxford. (ebook edition)

Kara, H. (2020) Creative Research Methods: A Practical Guide (2nd edition). Policy Press

May, T. & Perry, B. (2022) Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (5th edition). OUP Oxford

Montgomery, J. (2023) Place-based Sustainability: Research and Design Extending Pathways for Ecological Stewardship. Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Portigal, S. (2013) Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights. Rosenfeld Media. (ebook edition)

Rogers, R. (2019) Doing Digital Methods. SAGE Publications

Ward, K. (2020) Researching the city: a guide for students (2nd edition). SAGE Publications (ebook edition)

Access to: (i) the VLE used for hosting the module learning resources; (ii) the software used to run live virtual classes and meetings; and (iii) relevant eBooks, e-journals, and websites.

During this module you will develop your research and technical writing skills by planning an urban sustainability research project on a topic or problem of your choice, implementing your research plan, analysing, and discussing the findings of your research. You will have the choice of presenting your findings in either a traditional dissertation format or as a policy briefing document.