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Research Skills & Methods - ENV00049M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will take an applied approach to the design of experiments and surveys, the construction of testable hypotheses and the statistical analysis and presentation of results using SPSS. It will cover both quantitative and qualitative elements, ethics and the development of the dissertation proposal as a submitted assessed report.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The course aims to equip all students with skills and knowledge for (1) developing a successful research career including applying for jobs, ethical considerations and research project design and writing, and (2) designing, executing and analysing environmental and social surveys.

The statistical element of the course does not aim to provide a comprehensive guide to all statistical techniques, rather to build confidence and skills such that students are familiar with the common principles and methods and competent in the use of simple statistical software.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of the module, successful students will be able to:

- demonstrate an ability to design and execute robust environmental and social sampling methods

- demonstrate a familiarity with the procedure for exploring and analysing data

- demonstrate standard statistical techniques used for analysing data

- demonstrate an awareness of the principles of scientific writing and publication including creation of a dissertation proposal

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The research project proposal will be marked by the respective student’s dissertation supervisor so will not be anonymised.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Essay/coursework 30

Module feedback

Written feedback will be provided on the summative assessments within the University standard feedback period. Ongoing verbal feedback provided throughout the module.

Indicative reading

Field, Miles & Field (2012) Discovering Statistics Using R. Sage.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.