This module offers a student the opportunity to work under the supervision of a member of staff on a small-scale project or part of a project that relates directly to that member of staff's own research interests. The project would normally be expected to be centred on a problem or issue that can be examined through fieldwork and/or by library/archival investigation or by the analysis and/or presentation of data that has already been collected. The assistantship could therefore involve adapting to a project that has already begun. The purpose of the module is not only to increase understanding of the particular research topic, but also to offer the student some wider insights into the process of academic research. This module is particularly suitable for those wanting to go on to do postgraduate research work or a research degree.

One presentation - normally 30 minutes, or equivalent (50%) [assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 ]
One 1750-word reflective report incorporating a work diary (50%) [assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 ] - final assessment

The 30-minute oral presentation includes time for questions and its purpose is to present and discuss the key findings from the piece of research with which the student assisted.

One-to-one sessions with the research placement supervisor will provide students with regular formative feedback and allow them to evaluate their progress. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their presentation and report plans.

The student will primarily be engaged in independent learning involving liaising with research staff, planning and executing aspects of data collection, interpretation and presentation. Support will be given by staff in the form of one-to-one sessions for specific project guidance. The student will effectively be acting as a research assistant. It is envisaged that the research element could be work in concentrated episodes or a more extended period such as, for example, one day per week for ten weeks. The equivalent of 6 x 1 hour one-to-one project support and review sessions will be held throughout the module to provide the student with guidance specific to the project and assessments.

Clifford, N. & Cope, M. 2016. Key Methods in Geography (3rd edition). Sage Publications.

Clifford, N. & Valentine, G. (2010) Key Methods in Geography (2nd Edition). Sage Publications.

Gomez, B. & Jones, J.P. (2010) Research Methods in Geography. Wiley - Blackwell.

Hay, I., 2012. Communicating in geography and the environmental sciences 4th edition OUP.

Rogers, A., Viles, H. & Goudie, A. (2002) The students' companion to geography. Blackwell.

These will vary according to the nature of the assistantship, but will commonly include:
University Library, Sciences Learning Resource Centre, IT, internet and email facilities, access to GIS and other software, access to laboratories and laboratory equipment, and access to field equipment.

The nature of this module means that in any one year it may not be offered or that there may have to be limits imposed on the numbers of students that could take the module. This is because there may not be appropriate research projects running or planned for students to contribute towards. Some research projects may require particular aptitudes - those suitable for the research projects available in any one year will therefore be selected on the basis of an application, in a similar way to the selection for employment. Students will be counselled about this when making module choices.

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the intellectual and methodological basis of a particular research question as practised by researchers within higher education.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING, REFLECTION)

2. Assist in undertaking a substantive piece of research work, guided by a suitable supervisor.
(APPLICATION, ENQUIRY, PROBLEM SOLVING)

3. Gain and apply skills associated with the execution of a research project.
(ANALYSIS, APPLICATION, ENQUIRY, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

4. Gain and apply skills associated with the presentation of research to an appropriate audience.
(COMMUNICATION, LEARNING)