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For single hons Geog students only. The module teaches students about the nature and practice of research, with a particular focus on dissertation preparation. It is practical in character, emphasizing why and how research is undertaken and the choices which may be made between different research methods, designs and strategies.

The aim of the module is to help students produce high quality dissertations by teaching them how to write a research proposal and how to plan their dissertation. In support of this aim, the course has a number of objectives, it will:

(1) teach students about planning a research project by looking at research design and formulating feasible, substantive objectives and questions;

(2) teach students about how to undertake distinctive research through developing an understanding of originality in relation to current geographical knowledge and debates;Ìý

(3) help students plan safe, ethical projects based on data collection and/or analysis techniques that have been taught in Research Methods training modules in Term 1.

The module will familiarise students with some theoretical debates about research practice as well as more practical strategies for planning a research project. The course develops a number of critical analysis skills because students have to show how their research proposal relates to existing published research. It enables students to develop their communication skills by presenting their dissertation ideas to their peers in seminars. It develops problem-solving skills as students have to ensure their dissertation plans are both feasible and safe but also academically distinctive.