This module requires students to complete an individual research project that demonstrates their ability to design, manage and execute a programme of independent research activity. The module enables students to choose between different approaches to designing, conducting and presenting findings for different types of research problems or questions related to planning. Students can use the module to follow up on a research problem identified while on a placement year, or alternatively to assist with the development of specialised studies in a particular field (e.g. urban design, regeneration, housing etc). The module expects students to undertake independent inquiry and investigation, with the support of an allocated supervisor and a selection of introductory lectures and workshops. The assessment of the module is based on a written and illustrated submission. The project is a substantial piece of work and will be assessed as an important, individual component of final year undergraduate studies.

In terms of Knowledge/Understanding:

1. show a clear understanding and knowledge of planning by showing evidence of engagement with the spatial, social and institutional context of the research;
2. exhibit an in-depth understanding of a specialised area of planning by identifying the limits of existing knowledge on the subject and the potential for further research;
3. argue and illustrate critical engagement with the merits and deficiencies of a selected area of planning activity by the reaching of justified conclusions and the making of recommendations for change in that area;
4. use language and media related to planning in a professional way;
5. show knowledge and understanding of professional values and behaviour; as well as awareness of professionalism as a contested notion.

In Terms of Skills/Presentation:

1. Demonstrate ability to identify, collect and analyse relevant planning and social science data;
2. Demonstrate ability in appropriately using textual and graphic media to express ideas, present arguments and illustrate findings;
3. Define and defend a clear and focussed research question, and related aims and objectives for the research project;
4. Approach a range of questions or problems in a number of different spheres with an inquisitive and critical attitude;
5. Demonstrate effective research and appraisal skills, evident in data collection, investigation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis,  weighing evidence and reaching appropriate conclusions;
6. Successfully manage an independent, small-scale research project;
7. Organise and structure a complex document constituted of written materials and illustration.
8. Understand, discuss, reflect upon and assess ethical issues related to a research project

 In Terms of Values/Attitudes:

1. Display an awareness of the principles of ethical research conduct by compliance with relevant legislation and good practice principles and recognition of such issues in a reflective manner;
2. Appreciate the value of adopting a critical and questioning approach to existing knowledge and how research is conducted;
3. Understand the relevant views of all stakeholders who have an interest in the topic concerned;
4. Appreciate the contribution that research can make to improved subject knowledge and understanding by concluding on the value of the research undertaken.

• Panelled Q&A sessions and introductory workshops on selected topics at key stages in the project (circa 8 hours);
• Regular meetings and discussion sessions, as well as feedback on draft written and illustrative work, with an allocated project supervisor (circa 6 hours);
• Independent research and investigation according to a planned and managed schedule of work agreed with the supervisor.

In Terms of Skills/Presentation:

• Demonstrate ability to identify, collect and analyse relevant planning and social science data;
• Demonstrate ability in appropriately using textual and graphic media to express ideas, present arguments and illustrate findings;
• Define and defend a clear and focussed research question, and related aims and objectives for the research project;
• Approach a range of questions or problems in a number of different spheres with an inquisitive and critical attitude;
• Demonstrate effective research and appraisal skills, evident in data collection, investigation, quantitative and qualitative data analysis,  weighing evidence and reaching appropriate conclusions;
• Successfully manage an independent, small-scale research project;
• Organise and structure a complex document constituted of written materials and illustration.
• Understand, discuss, reflect upon and assess ethical issues related to a research project

• 100% Independant Reserch Project

 ** Checkpoints are simply key points in the process of managing your project that you are advised to adhere to. They are designed to help you prepare your material according to schedule and ensure that you get the most out of supervision. Checkpoints are NOT scheduled, class-based sessions.

 

5	Panelled introductory session 1 (13:00 – 15:00), Glamorgan – 1.63 The Basics about Your Research Project Timing, Formatting, and the Marking Criteria Recommendations for practice: -- What is your topic? -- Why is it research worthy? -- How to implement your research? -- Can there be any issues concerning research ethics? -- How to write up efficiently?
6	Reading Week
7	Checkpoint** –the focus of the project has been narrowed down; supervisor has been contacted and consulted regarding the suitability of your topic, including any potential issues concerning research ethics
8	Workshop 1 (13:00 – 15:00) at Glamorgan 1.84 (Computer Lab) How to Conduct a Search for Literature Advanced skills and time-saving techniques on literature search Session led by senior librarian, Rebecca Mogg – session based in CPLAN computing laboratory
9	Checkpoint- review of existing published material is underway; the focus of the project is being refined; research ethical issues have been considered
10	Checkpoint  - review of existing published material is underway; the focus of the project is being refined; research ethical issues have been considered
11	Checkpoint**– the topic of the project is clearly established; supervisor feedback has been secured; research ethical issues have been cleared
	Christmas Recess
12	Guided Study
1	Examination Period
2	Examination Period

 

 

1	Checkpoint** – first draft of review of literature, existing research and best practice is completed; there is a potential strategy for data collection
2	Workshop 2  (11:00 – 13:00) at Glamorgan 1.84 How to Deal with Data?   Revisiting principles of research design, data collection, and the methods of presentation and analysis (module CP0233 GIS and Research Skills) – session led by Dr Yiming Wang based in CPLAN computing laboratory Interview and survey Secondary census and secondary data retrieval Documentary Analysis Fieldwork essentials Effective presentation of quantitative and qualitative data -- tables and figures -- images and layout --scholarly style of data- and evidence-based writing
3	Checkpoint **  – research ethics form has been approved and signed; data collection/fieldwork/site analysis has begun
4	Checkpoint– data collection/fieldwork/site analysis is underway
5	Reading Week
6	Checkpoint** – data collection/fieldwork/site analysis complete; work is underway on presentation of data and commencement of first stages of analysis/building themes/initial findings
7	Checkpoint**– you are advised to submit a first, full draft of your research project to your supervisor for comments.
8	Panelled wrap-up session (11:00 – 13:00) at Glamorgan 1.84 Queries and Feedback about the Module Any final queries regarding the submission Feedback regarding the research project module
9	Checkpoint**– refining the first draft based on supervisor feedback
	Easter Recess (Good Friday 6th April / Easter Sunday 8th April)
10	Checkpoint**– final submission by 27th April (Friday)
11
12	Guided Study
1	Examination Period
2	Examination Period
3	Examination Period
4	Examination Period
5	Examination Period
	Summer Recess Begins

 

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10

 

Checkpoint** – final submission by 27^th April (Friday)

11

 

 

12

 

Guided Study

1

 

Examination Period

2

 

Examination Period

3

 

Examination Period

4

 

Examination Period

5

 

Examination Period

 

 

Summer Recess Begins

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