Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2006/07

SP50127 Preparing a research proposal

Credits: 3

Level: Masters

Semester: 2

Assessment: CW100

Requisites:

Aims & Learning Objectives:
Aims: By means of supervised preparations, this unit aims to prepare students for the production of a research proposal to a notional funding body; in order to acquire skills and understanding of how to translate research ideas into a logically coherent proposal meeting basic logistic and budgetary criteria for a fundable project. Learning
Objectives: By the completion of their proposals students should have: Knowledge and understanding of
* how to prepare the discursive elements of a proposal
* the project management expectations of funding bodies
* relevant budgetary information and costing practices involved
* the order of priorities in formulating a case for funding. Intellectual skills
* Be able to recognise and summarise the key elements of a project proposal: aims, objectives, literature context, and methods of investigation etc
* Use an appropriate discursive style in which to write the application
* Envisage and plan the conduct of a project
* Anticipate and meet the expectations and potential criticisms of funding bodies and their referees in the formulation of the case for funding
* Simplify and communicate the essentials of complex theoretical or evidential materials for consideration by an unknown assessor(s). Professional practice skills
* Proficiency in condensing information in an effective manner within pre-specified categories
* Knowing and applying logistic principles for project management, such as timetabling, Gant charts etc
* Knowing and applying financial conventions for budgetary estimates, such as salary and travel costings.
* Demonstrating the adequacy and suitability of chosen research methods over other possible approaches
* Identifying feasible outcomes of research in terms of significance of findings for: different constituencies and suitable media for disseminating findings.
Content:
Constructing and arguing a case for funded research, principles of research management, constructing a research budget.

University | Catalogues for 2006/07