RESEARCH PROJECT - 2023/4
Module code: SOC0003
Module Overview
This will be a guided research module where students identify and explore in detail a topic of their choice, using either quantitative or qualitative research methods (or a mix of both). Teaching input will focus on the methods of investigation and the critical analysis of outcomes. Teaching will be provided through a mix of lectures that focus on key research methodologies across the social sciences and will include guest lectures from researchers in the field. The lectures will be augmented by both a set of seminars that underpin and expend on the lectures by working through quant and qual methods with students applied to questions drawn from the method-specific lectures. In addition, students will have 1:1 tutorials to discuss their specific research projects.
Module provider
Sociology
Module Leader
SHANAHAN Mark (FABSS Admin)
Number of Credits: 30
ECTS Credits: 15
Framework: FHEQ Level 3
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 6
Independent Learning Hours: 110
Lecture Hours: 6
Seminar Hours: 8
Tutorial Hours: 6
Guided Learning: 8
Captured Content: 4
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None.
Module content
This is an opportunity for students to draw together strands from the subject-specific modules and apply them to an area of their own interest within a social science context. They will be guided in their choice of topic areas to ensure relevance and learning opportunities.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Oral exam or presentation | RESEARCH PRESENTATION | 30 |
| Coursework | PROJECT ESSAY (2000 words) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the application of the skills developed and the knowledge gleaned so far on the course. They will have the chance to interrogate data and make and communicate meaningful conclusions. They should be able to draw together different strands from across the course and demonstrate their awareness of the multidisciplinary nature of knowledge and the transferability of skills.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- One 1,000 word essay
Module aims
- Give students the opportunity to develop their independent research and writing skills by focusing on a topic of interest and conducting an in-depth investigation
- Develop students’ capacities of analysis and evaluation to help them present consistent and original argument for appraisal
- Build confidence in relevant skills
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Apply critical thinking skills to question and interrogate data | CPT |
| 002 | Research independently and draw appropriate conclusions from data analysis and investigation | CPT |
| 003 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding derived from the conceptual and theoretical frameworks explored in previous modules | CKT |
| 004 | Apply theory to practice and reflect critically on both | CT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to enable students to frame and develop an outline research project and apply a methodologically-based proof of concept for their reseach. Students will be advised and monitored on an ongoing basis in order to meet the learning outcomes. There will be regular opportunities for them to seek input as they develop confidence in their own ability to interrogate source material, draw conclusions and further their own knowledge.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures on research methods and quantitative and qualitative approaches (1 hours per week x 6)
- Seminars and Tutorials (1 hour per week) offering the opportunity to seek feedback and guidance on the assessed component
- Research-based Study Trip (8 Hours)
- Guided individual reading and study
- Independent study
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: SOC0003
Other information
None.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Criminology and Sociology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Law with Criminology with Foundation Year LLB (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Law with International Relations with Foundation Year LLB (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Media and Communication with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Sociology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Law with Foundation Year LLB (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Politics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Politics and Sociology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| International Relations with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.