The Research Project provides an opportunity for you in your final year of study of the Historic Building Conservation undergraduate programme to initiate, design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. You will have the opportunity to study in-depth a relevant topic which you find particularly stimulating and to further develop and practice your research skills which you have acquired at earlier levels of their programme of study.
In undertaking the work you will demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing literature and in using one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions. To support you, seminars on research methods and individual one-to-one tutorials, ensure that you are supported in the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial research proposal and the completed project. Students who are studying part time may undertake a project that relates to their workplace if deemed appropriate. The project will provide an opportunity for you to synthesise your learning, offering the opportunity to demonstrate key skills and expertise relevant to your future employability.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The research project will be introduced early in the academic year to provide students with the opportunity to prepare their initial ideas. They will be offered a series of lectures and workshops and provided with an individual supervisor who will run small group tutorials until the end of Teaching Block 1. Students will be expected to produce a visual presentation for formative assessment in Teaching Bock 1, which will offer them the opportunity both to discuss their work with their supervisor and gain oral feedback on their progress. This will include an initial draft programme for the work to be undertaken.
An outline plan in the form of a research proposal will be produced and submitted at the beginning of Teaching Block 2.This may have similar contents and structure to the introductory chapter of the final dissertation and will be largely supported by a review of the relevant literature. This will provide students with summative feedback which they can use to progress their work to the final dissertation report.
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 based in the 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 Tutorials Workshops Seminars | 25 |
| Guided independent study | Applied reading, preparation for lectures, tutorials, workshops and seminars | 275 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Oral formative feedback on an A3 poster which will present an outline of the research proposal will be provided early in Teaching Block 1. An interim research proposal of up to 3,000 words will be submitted at the beginning of Teaching Block 2. This work will be assessed summatively and feedback given in writing. The research report of approximately 6-8,000 words or equivalent must be research-based and constitute original work, on a topic that is pertinent.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| formulate a valid and topical research proposal relevant to their field of endeavour; | Research Proposal |
| demonstrate, through the execution of their research project, that they can design and manage a small-scale research project competently; | Final Project Report |
| retrieve and analyse existing datasets competently and analyse them with intelligence and rigour; | Final Project Report |
| conduct critical analysis and evaluation, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods in order to draw independent conclusions; | Final Project Report |
| demonstrate an appropriate standard of literacy, scholarly writing supported by visual presentation and throughout show a professional and ethical approach to research. | Final Project Report |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal (up to 3,000 words) | Coursework | 20% |
| Final Project Report (6,000-8,000 words) | Coursework | 80% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Research methodology handbook and the dissertation handbook issued each academic year. This contains recommendations for further reading.
Bell, J (2010) Doing your research: a guide for the first time research in education and social science (3rd edition) Buckingham: Open University Press
Blaxter, L. Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2006) How to Research Buckingham: Open University Press
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*
Students will undertake significant reading as appropriate to their research subject including in-depth reading around their chosen methodology.