2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

FOEV5002M Research and Skills for Urban Sustainability

30 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Caroline Mullen
Email: c.a.mullen@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Nov to 31 Dec View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This second module on the University of Leeds MSc Sustainable Cities provides students with a rigorous grounding in epistemology and research methods that teach the skills needed for change-focused research in urban sustainability. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, showcases, and a selection of intensive methods ‘boot-camps’ under the guidance and support of Faculty of Environment academic research expertise; these culminate with reflection and evaluation of acquired skills and methods.

Objectives

This module equips students with understanding of data sources, research methods, good research practice and understanding of the epistemological basis of different research methods, assessment tools and types of data. This will provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to critically engage with debates and practice on developing sustainable cities.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following specific learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. demonstrate critical understanding of theories of knowledge and their relation to research methods;
2. demonstrate awareness of the diversity of methods suited to addressing urban sustainability issues;
3.exhibit competence in comprehensive conception and design of research projects;
4. exhibit in-depth and practical understanding of specific research methods relevant for developing sustainable city systems;
5. demonstrate awareness of data sources, research ethics, and data protection relevant to urban sustainability issues;

Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Acquire new qualitative, quantitative and digital skills in researching and analysis from an action research perspective. 
2. Diagnose and solve real world problems using new data analysis and action research techniques; Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others
3. Critically analyse the social, environmental and economic impacts of key topics; Ability to form logical, reasonable conclusions and make sound recommendations based on available data and/or observations.
4. Understand multilevel decision-making across critical systems and how suitability metrics are mobilised to affect decision-making. 
5. Evaluate opportunities to embed innovations in system design, governance and re-production. 

Syllabus

Building blocks of postgraduate level research: epistemology; politics and knowledge; ethics; qualitative and quantitative methods; digital skills, assessment methods (such as CBA); capabilities (visioning; governance and leadership; delivery; outcomes and accountability). Further work reflecting the systems modules, methods traditionally used in that sector and the role that these play in creating the systems.5 one day ‘boot-camp’ workshops on methods relevant for moving to sustainability in each of the systems - e.g. on co-design; on participatory visioning - the methods would be agreed with the leads of the system modules and project module. Reflection and evaluation, and individual presentations will be used alongside longer form critical essays on method.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	2.00	2.00
Supervision	2	1.00	2.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	1	1.00	1.00
Seminar	1	3.00	3.00
Seminar	3	4.00	12.00
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			250.00
Total Contact hours			50.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be given formative feedback throughout the module during workshops. This will support them in developing the assessment. Feedback on the critical essay undertaken in module 1 will also be delivered during this module period.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/06/2024

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