This module provides you with the opportunity to design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. You will study in-depth a relevant topic which you find particularly stimulating and which will be used as the basis to develop further and practice your research skills. A series of lectures on research methods will be followed by one-to-one tutorial sessions during which you will be offered support and guidance in developing your particular area of research.
Importantly, the Elective Project is an opportunity for you to draw together your learning from the other modules on the programme and to demonstrate this learning by way of a part practical, part desk-based research project.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module will be taught by introductory lectures relating to research followed by a series of one-to-one tutorial sessions designed to enable the student to identify a research topic of particular interest to them. Following identification of the topic, students will be given further tutorials acting as feedback and feed-forward sessions, to provide direction and advice as they proceed with their Elective Project.
The virtual learning environment (VLE) Canvas acts as the main online location and portal for course and School information and news. Course Materials such as handbooks, module guides, timetables and information on talks, programmes, lectures and events are all accessible through the VLE.
All courses running in partnership with Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | Lectures (presentation) Tutorials (individual) Tutorials (group) | 35 |
| Guided independent study | Research and development of project | 265 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment will consist of the submission of a written report together with a practical project. The report will normally be 5,000 words in length and will provide the context, rationale for and development of, the practical element. The length of the report may be tailored with the agreement of the leader to account for the extent of the practical piece being undertaken in tandem with the report. Formative feedback and feedforward will be provided in tutorials.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Demonstrate through the execution of an Elective Project the ability to design and manage a small-scale research and/or practical project competently | Report Practical Project |
| 2. Show an appropriate standard of literacy and scholarly writing | Report |
| 3. Use workshop facilities to carry out experimental/practical techniques to produce a practical project piece | Practical Project |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Practical project and Project Report | Coursework | 100% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the element of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Research methodology Handbook & the Dissertation handbook issued each academic year. This contains recommendations for further reading
Farrell, P. (2007) Writing a Built Environment Dissertation: practical guidance and examples. Oxford: Blackwells
Ridley, D. (2008) The literature review: a step-by-step guide for students. London: Sage
Naoum, S. (2006) Dissertation research and writing for construction students. Oxford: Elsevier