The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 48 hours of class support and 252 hours of independent and self directed study.

The 48 hours of class support will include formal lectures, discussions and group exercises. These will cover standard project design and considerations including topic selection, hypothesis development, data collection and ethics, presenting findings, analysis, recommendations and conclusion. The 252 hours of independent learning and self directed study will allow time for the development, research and completion of the individual project. Guided reading will be dependent on the chosen research topic but will include reading on the issues of project planning and ethics as well as the chosen project topic.

This project is intended to be implemented by students in a working or volunteering context with support from mentors and tutors. It will require students to relate their learning to work-related activities. The module is designed to progressively emphasize professional responsibility and actual experience and give students increasing opportunities to work independently while enhancing their skills.

Bell J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project ,Open University Press: London.
Bryman, (2008) Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
Sarkissian, W., Vajda, S., Hofer, N., Shore, Y. (2008) Kitchen Table Sustainability: Practical Recipes for Community Engagement with Sustainability. Tools for Community Planning
Smith, M. J.& Pangsapa, P. (2008) Environment and Citizenship: Integrating Justice, Responsibility and Civic Engagement. Zed Books: London.
Stoecker, R. R. (2005) Research Methods for Community Change: A Project-Based Approach. Sage: London.
Nichols, A., Laros, J. (2009) Inside the Civano Project (GreenSource Books): A Case Study of Large-Scale Sustainable Neighborhood Development, Mcgraw-Hill.

Teaching room with PCs, Interactive white board, access to Learning Resource Centre.
Moodle

This module requires students to propose, design and obtain approval to undertake an extended project through negotiation with their tutor and workplace/work-based learning provider as appropriate. The project will focus on an area of interest related to sustainable community development and must result in constructive recommendations for change.
Students are expected to integrate their sustainable communities knowledge and skills relate them to relevant, contemporary workplace and community practices. The module is designed to meet individual learning and development needs and be directly relevant to the students¿ practice and career.
Crucially, this module will also reinforce the ethical considerations of working with others during projects, research and work-based learning and the essential need to safeguard vulnerable people at all times. These include gaining informed consent from participants, confidentially, the right to withdraw, data protection and briefing and debriefing. All assignments will be subject to Staffordshire University¿s ethical approval process.

Formative Assessment
A series of formative exercises running within and alongside the weekly lectures to ensure thorough understanding of all the issues related to project choice, design and execution. Feedback will be available for all plans and drafts of the resulting project.

Summative Assessment
Project Proposal 20% - 750 words (LO1)
Submit a proposal for approval outlining your project aims, objectives and methodology.

Project report 50% - 2,500 words (LO2 and LO4)
The report should consider benefits of and barriers to change and include constructive recommendations based on the results of your project investigation. Your report should include a reflective statement addressing how completing the project has contributed to your personal and professional development.

Display presentation 30% (LO3)
You will design a display presentation containing visual elements (e.g. a poster presentation) that effectively communicates key findings, recommendations and conclusions.