The student of sustainable development or environmental management needs to understand the research process which contributes to an informed critique of the field. This module is not intended to give you a thorough training in research techniques, but rather to make you aware of a broad sweep of investigative and analytical methods and techniques using examples drawn from the area of sustainable development and environmental management. In addition, you will be encouraged to place the research process in an epistemological and ethical context. You will be introduced to both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and will experience both primary and secondary data collection. You will reflect on the research process and its outcomes by critiquing research papers written from different methodological standpoints.

8 hours workshop
142 hours independent study

You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and learning resources and receive instruction in the range of methods available to researchers. The workshop will also introduce module themes through the use of video and textual resources. Over subsequent weeks you will then work through self-instructional course material providing a structure for reading key texts and papers and specifying tasks to be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in a designated learning group.

A. 1000 word project specifications (1, 2, 3)
B. Essay (2500 words). (1,2, 3)

Pass criteria
You will demonstrate a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focussed observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Distinction criteria
You will demonstrate an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are well argued and excellently organized. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading, systematic review and thorough critical meta-analysis of the available literature.

A networked computer for accessing Blackboard, web sites and electronic journals.
Course texts.
Learning pack.

Gilbert N (ed) (2001) Researching Social Life (2nd edition), Sage, London
Hoggart K et al (2002) Researching Human Geography, Arnold, London.