Dissertation in Urban & Regional Planning (Nankai) URBAN5105P

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 60
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

The dissertation will allow students to explore an area of particular interest. Working closely with a supervisor, they will develop the topic, undertake the research and submit a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Timetable

None

Requirements of Entry

None

Assessment

Dissertation of 15,000 words

Course Aims

The aim of this course is help students develop effective research and appraisal skills (evident, for example, in data sourcing, collection, investigation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, weighing evidence and reaching sound conclusions) through understanding appropriate research methods, undertaking a substantial research exercise on an approved topic with a literature and original empirical content, and presenting their research results in a well-argued and coherent written form.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

■ Evaluate the nature and purpose of research in urban and regional planning.

■ Debate the significance of different traditions of thought in philosophy, science and social science.

■ Define research problems and issues and refine them into research aims, objectives, questions and/or hypotheses.

■ Search for and review critically research literature and other secondary data sources.

■ Select and apply appropriate methodological approaches for particular research topics.

■ Plan and manage a research or action project by collecting information from a variety of sources, synthesising it effectively and presenting it succinctly

Sustain a clear and succinct argument in presenting research findings in a substantive written form

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.