KE5005 - Approaches to Research in Human Geography

You will learn through lectures, seminars, independent learning, tutorials and directed tasks (e.g. preparatory tasks for seminars and tutorials). The lectures will cover key themes relating to geographical thought, methodologies, and the practicalities of undertaking research projects.

Seminars are designed to allow you to explore issues raised in lectures and readings in greater depth. Tutorials are included to allow you to discuss in detail, and gain feedback from, staff on a one-to-one basis.

Directed and independent learning tasks will be set to allow you to explore the module material in your own way, and as preparation for seminars and tutorials.

The module content will draw directly from staff’s own research experience.

Support will include feedback from tutors during small-group seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. In addition tutors will use the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal respond to questions so that the whole module group can benefit. Time will be set aside in lectures and seminars to provide opportunities for Q&A on assignments and formative feedback. Coursework will be submitted electronically via the eLearning Portal.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: You will assess the evolution of geography into dynamic, plural and contested discipline, and the role of broader political and social change in shaping it.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 2: You will plan and design an extensive research project which will be robust enough to become your dissertation at level 6.
• MLO 3: You will be able to justify the merits of contrasting philosophies, theories and methodologies.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 4: You will demonstrate an awareness of health and safety, moral and ethical dimensions in the design and conduct of geographical field investigations.
• MLO 5: You will demonstrate your motivation, self-awareness, self-management and intellectual curiosity in the design of an innovative and bespoke research project.

There are two summative assessments on this module. The first a two hour seen exam (worth 40% of the module) which assesses you knowledge and understanding of geographical thought in relation to human geography’s sub-disciplines (MLO 1).

The second assignment (worth 60% of the module mark) requires you to produce a research proposal (3000 words). This should include a review of relevant literature, research questions, detailed methodology, ethical considerations, and a risk assessment. (MLOs 2-5)

Health and safety assessment and ethics evaluation (pass/fail): a compulsory pass/fail element to ensure that your research plans are safe and ethically sound (MLO 4).

On an on-going basis the module staff will provide feedback based on seminar tasks, and you should record and track your own progress.

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Undertaking research in human geography is an exciting way to understand more about the people, places and activities around us. This module is designed provide you will the skills to undertake an independent research project through the dissertation module at level 6. You will learn about the key thinkers in human geography, the schools of thought which influence how we do research today, and the best ways to construct interesting dissertations.

You will become aware of the ethics involved in doing research, and the responsibilities that come with academic investigations. By the end of the module you will have developed a bespoke research proposal which will allow you to begin your dissertation research.