1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key components of the research design and application
2. demonstrate the ability to formulate a meaningful research question
3. demonstrate how to match appropriate research design with a research question
4. produce a research proposal that communicates knowledge of how to design and apply research frameworks and methods to a topic of their choice as appropriate for this level of study.

The participation grade encourages engaged and consistent learning. This builds up subject-knowledge as well as enhancing communication and analysis skills. You are expected to post a 500-word answer to the week’s set question. The participation grade is worked out on the number of these you do each week and how well you engage with the posts of others. The word-length for this assessment therefore depends on how much you engage. Three posts are required for a pass. Full marks can be achieved from a good 500 word post each week in addition to regular informed engagement with the posts of others. (LOs 1,2,5-6).

The research proposal will demonstrate the students’ ability to communicate knowledge of how to design and apply research frameworks and methods to a topic of their choice as appropriate for this level of study (LOs 1,3 4,6,7).

The purpose of this module is to develop students’ ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research. Students will engage deeply with a topic of their choice, in the fields of International Relations, International Security, or sub-disciplines such as Terrorism Studies or Intelligence Studies. The overarching course objectives are for each student to demonstrates an understanding of the key fundamentals to research design as well as to produce a quality research proposal that outlines how the research will be achieved. Key topics and themes of the module are: understanding research rationale; learning how to formulate research questions clearly and concisely; assesses various types of theoretical frameworks relevant to their respective discipline as well as understanding theoretical context and how to apply theoretical frameworks to an investigation of a particular topic; learning about different research methods (both qualitative and quantitative) and evaluating which are the most appropriate and for addressing particular research questions.

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material, (delivered on Blackboard) which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking specific set tasks. 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 your learning group and your tutor via a discussion board.

You will learn how to conduct quantitative and qualitative research in the social sciences, specifically in the fields of International Relations and International Security. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of research design and differences in approaches to theoretical frameworks and research methods. On completion of this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design and conduct independent research projects.

Bryman, Alan. 2016. Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.

George, Graham H. Stuart, Alexander L., Alexander L. George, Andrew Bennett,. 2005. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. MIT Press.

Luker, Kristin. 2009. Salsa Dancing into the Social Sciences. Harvard University Press.

Pollock, Philip H. (2015), The Essentials of Political Analysis, 5th ed., Sage.

Computer and Internet access to enable use of Blackboard and all electronic resources, including the electronic reading list, e-books and e-journals in the University library. Course textbooks

None.