This course gives students practical and theoretical experience of managing a research project in a specific area of textile conservation practice, and provides a foundation for the dissertation course. It introduces key topics such as project management and experimental design, and presentation of research data, with sessions for private study to allow experimental work and associated research.

2 hours per week

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Research planning report 50%, 2,500 words. Students are required to evaluate different research methods by identifying a research question in a journal or previous dissertation and developing an appropriate research design and methodology.

Critical review of published paper 50%, 2,500 words. Students should evaluate the scientific or other content of a published paper in the conservation literature.

This course aims to:

■ Introduce research tools and methodologies for self-directed research in textile conservation

■ Develop critical evaluation skills to formulate strong and focussed research questions and to select appropriate research methodologies

■ Provide strategies for successful management of independent research

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Plan a research project within a set of realistic constraints using suitable methodologies

■ Select from the range of research methodologies available and justify their selection for different types of studies

■ Critically evaluate research information from academic sources

■ Use oral and written communication skills, including:

■ Selecting and presenting information in a clear and coherent manner

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