Courses / Modules / RESM6002 Research Design and Practice

Research Design and Practice

When you'll study it: Semester 1
CATS points: 10
ECTS points: 5
Level: Level 7
Module lead: Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte
Academic year: 2025-26

Module overview

Research Design and Practice involves training and preliminary work for researching in social science. This module deals with the practical challenges of designing and conducting research such as defining research questions, identifying appropriate methods, research management and problem solving, writing up research, ethical issues, and thinking reflexively about research.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

• Multi-disciplinary lectures • Subject specific seminars • Independent study

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	90
Teaching	10
Total study time	100

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Keith Punch (2005). Introduction to Social Research. London: Sage.

Norman Blaikie (2000). Designing Social Research. Cambridge: Polity.

John Hughes and Wes Sharrok (2008). Theory and Methods in Sociology. Palgrave Macmillan.

Jonathon Moses and Torbjorn Knutsen (2007). Ways of Knowing. Palgrave.

Peter Burnham et al (2008). Research Methods in Politics. Palgrave Macmillan.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

The module will be assessed by one 2500-3000 word coursework assignment. Students will be required to produce a research proposal.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Research proposal	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework assignment(s)	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Research proposal	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External