GEG5103 - Geographical Research in Practice - 2023/24

Research is a critical part of what geographers do and this module teaches research skills through practice. In the first semester, students will attend weekly lectures and practical sessions that introduce key qualitative research techniques such as questionnaire surveys, interviewing and focus groups. In addition, students will work on a real research project with London Citizens to develop these skills. London Citizens is a broad-based community alliance including local churches, mosques, schools, colleges, trade union branches and community groups. The module will introduce students to the theory and practice of this alliance and guest lecturers from London Citizens will come in to talk about the research work that they need us to do. Working in groups, students will develop the research relationships needed to collect original data.  They will conduct the research and produce a final report to summarise their findings. In addition, students will have the opportunity to attend a TELCO assembly and to provide oral feedback to the member groups involved in the work. During semesters A and B, these research foundations will be further developed through tutorials. Following a program of work which is designed to prepare students to do their own IGS, students will then be ready to conduct their own research as part of their final year of study.