Research Methods

Module Description

This module is a comprehensive introduction to research methods and will cover broad topics:  the fundamentals of doing research, research methods, research design, data collection, and data analysis. In discussing each topic, the ethical implications of research will be covered.

Research is a craft, and like any other craft, it takes practice to do it well.

Therefore, this module places the student experience at the center of our endeavors by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises.

Learners will have opportunity to learn by doing in all aspects of the course—in class meetings, online classroom, and out-of-class assignments. 

No prior knowledge or experience in research is required to take this course. 

Entry Requirements

Candidates who wish to apply for the B.Sc. Top-Up degree must possess the following:

• a full qualification at MQF Level 5 with 120 ECTS in a discipline related to this programme.

Candidates who wish to apply for the Level 6 Award must possess the following:

• a qualification at MQF Level 5 in a discipline related to this programme;

OR

• any other qualification at MQF Level 5 and 3 years’ work experience within the construction industry.

Target Audience

This course is targeted at:

• Professionals within the construction industry with a full Level 5 qualification in construction-related studies, seeking to achieve a B.Sc. Top-Up degree;
• Professionals within the construction industry seeking professional and academic advancement, leading to a Level 6 Award.

Module / Unit Instruction

The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning.  The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes: 

•   Face-to-face sessions:  21 hours
•   Online Learning Activities:  15 hours

 Face to Face sessions 

Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.   

 Online Learning Activities 

Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions.  These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. 

Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.  

The tutor provides continual support during both teaching -learning modes by providing information, readings and tasks relevant to the module in question. The tutor provides continuous formative feedback as an on-going guidance during the student’s learning experience in preparation for their summative assessment.

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment of each module consists of two assignments, each carrying a weighting as below: 

• Assignment 1 carries 20% of total module mark achieved. 
• Assignment 2 carries 80% of total module mark achieved. 

For successful completion of a study module the student is required to achieve a minimum of 50% pass mark in both assignments. 

The overall grade achieved for each module is calculated as the sum of: 

• 20% of the mark achieved for assignment 1; and  
• 80% of the mark achieved for assignment 2. 

All assignment tasks of both assessments aim to provide the learner an opportunity to produce evidence of his/her competences aligned to the learning outcomes of this Module.  

Assessment

a)  Assignment 1 tasks for this module are provided in the form of structured online discussions that support learners in their development.

Such discussions are facilitated and monitored by the lecturer who provides students with constructive feedback to help them improve and prepare for summative assignment and dissertation. 

These discussions will contribute to the student’s final mark to acknowledge their work and give chance to improve.

This method allows students to also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.  

For successful completion of a study module the student is required to achieve a minimum of 50% pass mark in the assignment 1. 

b) Assignment 2 is done via one assignment at the end of the module.

The written assignment will be a report on the final outcome of a practical task assigned by the tutor and directly related to the subject matter of the module. The practical task will require the student to visit and analyse real construction projects.  

Recommended word count range: 3000 ± 10% 

For successful completion of a study module the student is required to achieve a minimum of 50% pass mark in the assignment 2.