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SP50219: Research skills and dissertation preparation for international development, wellbeing and policy analysis

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 2
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 100%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites:
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
To introduce students to research methods used in research in international development and policy analysis. To enable students to understand the application of these methods in relation to different research needs. To formulate a research synopsis containing a clear research question and with plans for a possible answer. To develop skills in preparing and giving presentations; to develop skills in locating and organising suitable data and literature for a dissertation.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students should have:
* An understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
* A critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different methods with respect to different research objectives in international development and policy analysis.
* A deeper and more critical understanding of how to formulate and develop an original research question.
* Improved skills in researching, presenting and critically appraising possible topics.

Skills:
Cross-cultural and interpersonal sensitivity (Taught/Facilitated)
Concise, time-bound and effective written communication (e.g. briefings / exams) (T/F/Assessed)
Effective oral communication (e.g. seminar presentations) (T/F)
Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (T/F)
Ability to synthesise multidisciplinary perspectives on the same problem (T/F)
Ability to formulate a research question, then develop and present an original & coherent answer (T/F/A)
Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (T/F)
Ability to work independently, without close supervision of guidance (T/F)
Ability to work effectively as part of a group or team (T/F)

Content:
* Introduction to research methodology.
* Quantitative methods: surveys and statistical analysis.
* Qualitative methods: semi-structured interviews; focus groups; ethnographic and participatory methods.
* Mixed method approaches .
* Formulating a research question and planning a dissertation.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP50219 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • THSP-AFM06 : MSc International Development (Full-time)
  • THSP-APM06 : MSc International Development (Part-time)
  • THSP-AFM13 : MSc International Public Policy Analysis (Full-time)
  • THSP-APM13 : MSc International Public Policy Analysis (Part-time)
  • THSP-AFM07 : MSc Wellbeing & Human Development (Full-time)
  • THSP-APM07 : MSc Wellbeing & Human Development (Part-time)

SP50219 is available for Auditing on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.