Students must normally have satisfactorily completed the PgCert level and at least 30 credits at PgDip of their awards.

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 a training in research techniques, but rather to make students aware of a broad sweep of investigative and analytical methods and techniques using examples drawn from the areas of sustainable development and environmental management. In addition, students will be encouraged to place the research process in an epistemological and ethical context. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and primary and secondary data collection will be covered. Students will reflect on the research process and its outcomes by critiquing research papers written from methodological standpoints. Students will then apply this knowledge to creating a viable research proposal for their own masters dissertation. This proposal will require students to identify and justify research questions, methodologies and data sampling / collection techniques, ethical and safety safeguards and timetable of action.

Students finishing the diploma level of the Masters award will normally be given a 2 month break before formal teaching begins on the USR module. During this time students will have access to the USR learning materials and will be asked to identify a potential research topic that they will generate the proposal for development during the USR module. Formal learning on the module occurs over 9 weeks starting in late September or early May (depending on July or March diploma finish) through self-instructional course material within a VLE. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis but at various points students will be required to interact with their peers and their named supervisor.

A. 1000 -1200 word case study specification (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 4) (30%)
B. Project Proposal equivalent to 2250-2500 words (Learning Outcomes 1, 3 & 4) (70%)


Additional Assessment Details:

A. the first assignment will require students to outline and justify research methods appropriate to investigate two hypothetical research remits.
B. The project proposal will draw on the learning material on research methodologies and discussions with a named supervisor.



Formative Assessment: on-going feedback will be provided by a named supervisor

Blackboard, websites and electronic journals. Course texts and learning pack.

Gilbert, N (2001 Ed) Researching Social Life (2nd Ed), Sage, London
Hoggart K et al (2002) Researching Human Geography, Arnold, London
Radojevic, M & V Bashkin (1999) Practical Environmental Analysis, RSC, London
Chambers, R. (1997) Whose Reality Counts? Putting the First Last, London: Intermediate Technology
Chambers, R. (1983) Rural Development: Putting the Last First (World Development) Longman