RESEARCH DESIGN AND PROJECT PLANNING - 2026/7

Module Overview

Research design and effective project management are fundamental skills for researchers working across the social sciences. This highly practical module introduces students to the principles of designing, planning, and managing research projects, while also exploring how emerging digital and AI tools can support different stages of the research process.

The module provides students with a systematic foundation for developing robust research designs, including identifying research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, planning data collection strategies, and considering ethical and practical aspects of research management. Particular attention is given to the use of AI-assisted tools for tasks such as literature exploration, project planning, data organisation, and methodological decision-making, alongside critical reflection on their opportunities and limitations.

Throughout the module, students gain practical experience in developing a research proposal. They learn how to structure a clear and feasible research plan, justify methodological choices, manage timelines and resources, and communicate research ideas effectively in written and oral formats. By the end of the module, students will have produced a structured research proposal and gained experience in presenting and refining their research design.

These skills will prepare students to undertake independent research projects and dissertations, and will equip them with practical competencies in research planning, management, and responsible engagement with AI-supported research practices in their future academic or professional careers.

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

ROBERTS Tom (Sociology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 50

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Research design and research project management;
Situating research within existing knowledge: literature reviewing approaches and digital tools;
Developing research questions, aims and objectives;
Research design strategies: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods;
Ethics in research practice and the role of AI in research;
Approaches to data collection: in-person and online strategies;
Using secondary and digital data sources in research;
Principles of qualitative data analysis and analytic planning;
Digital tools for research management and analysis: NVivo and AI-supported workflows;
Developing and communicating a research proposal;

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy for this module is designed to support the progressive development of students¿ research design, project planning, and proposal writing skills. Through a combination of formative and summative assessment, students will develop the ability to design a coherent and feasible research project and communicate their research plans effectively.

Formative assessment plays an important role in supporting students as they develop their research ideas. During the module, students will have the opportunity to submit outlines of their proposed research questions, as well as their aims and objectives, and receive feedback from the module tutor. This feedback will help students refine their research focus, clarify the scope of their proposed project, and strengthen the alignment between their research questions, aims, and methodological approach. Seminar discussions and workshop activities will also provide opportunities for peer feedback and collaborative reflection on emerging research ideas.

The summative assessment will take the form of a research proposal in which students present a clear and well-structured plan for a small-scale research project. As part of the proposal, students will be expected to demonstrate engagement with relevant academic literature and identify a clear gap in existing research that their proposed project seeks to address. They will articulate their research question, aims and objectives, and provide a rationale for the study. The proposal will also require students to outline an appropriate research design, consider relevant ethical issues, and demonstrate awareness of practical aspects of research management such as planning, organisation, and feasibility.

In addition, students will be expected to reflect on how digital tools and AI-assisted platforms could be used to support different stages of the research process. This may include, for example, the use of AI tools to support literature exploration, project organisation, data management, or analytical planning. Students will be encouraged to critically consider both the potential benefits and the limitations of AI in the research process.

This assessment approach ensures that students engage in a structured process of developing, refining, and presenting a research proposal. It is designed to prepare students for independent research projects, including their dissertation, while also developing transferable skills in research planning, project management, and the responsible use of digital and AI-supported research tools.

Module aims

• Discuss the philosophy and overall conduct of social science research design and management
• Communicate the theory underpinning research design and management
• Develop skills in literature reviewing and gap identification
• Develop skills in the use of computer software for research design and management
• Discuss the role that AI can play in research design and management
• Develop skills in research proposal writing

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Teaching and learning on this module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, and practical computer-based workshops. These sessions are designed to support the development of core research design and research management skills, alongside the ability to plan and develop a coherent research proposal.

Lectures will introduce key concepts in research design, including the formulation of research questions, methodological decision-making, project planning, and ethical considerations. Seminars will provide opportunities for discussion, critical reflection, and peer feedback on emerging research ideas and proposal development.

Practical sessions will focus on developing applied research skills through the use of digital tools and software. Students will gain hands-on experience with computer software such as NVivo to support the organisation and management of research materials, as well as exploring the use of AI platforms to assist with tasks such as literature exploration, research planning, and project management. These sessions will emphasise the responsible and critical use of AI technologies in the research process.

Throughout the module, students will progressively develop their own research proposal. Structured activities and guided exercises will support students in refining their research questions, designing appropriate methodological approaches, planning research timelines, and managing research data. Peer review and formative feedback will be used to help students strengthen their proposals and develop confidence in communicating their research ideas.

Independent study will play an important role in consolidating learning, enabling students to engage with methodological literature, develop their research proposal, and practise the use of research management tools introduced in the module.

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: SOCM087

Other information

The Department of Sociology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module particularly enhances students¿ skills in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, and Resourcefulness and Resilience through the development of research design, research management, and proposal writing skills supported by digital tools and AI-assisted technologies. Digital capabilities The effective use of digital tools is increasingly central to contemporary research practice. This module develops students¿ digital capabilities through engagement with research software and AI-assisted platforms that support research design, project organisation, data management, and literature exploration. Students gain practical experience using software such as NVivo and other digital resources to organise research materials, manage research workflows, and support the planning and development of research projects. The module also encourages critical reflection on the opportunities, limitations, and responsible use of AI technologies within the research process. Employability The module develops skills in research design, project planning, and proposal development that are highly valued across academic, public sector, and industry contexts. Students gain experience in formulating research questions, designing feasible research strategies, managing research timelines and resources, and communicating research plans clearly. These skills are widely transferable and are particularly relevant for careers in research, policy analysis, consultancy, and project management. Global and cultural capabilities By developing the ability to design and plan research that engages with diverse social contexts and populations, this module encourages students to consider the ethical, cultural, and contextual dimensions of research practice. Students learn to design research projects that are sensitive to social differences and capable of addressing complex social issues across a range of cultural and global settings. Resourcefulness and resilience Designing and managing research projects requires flexibility, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt plans as research develops. Through the process of proposal development and project planning, students learn to respond to practical challenges, revise research strategies, and make informed methodological decisions. Engagement with digital tools and AI platforms further encourages students to develop resourceful approaches to organising and managing research activities. Sustainability Strong research design and project planning skills are essential for addressing complex social and environmental challenges. This module equips students with the ability to design research projects capable of investigating issues related to sustainability and environmental change, enabling them to contribute to understanding and responding to contemporary societal challenges.

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 2026/7 academic year.