Module manager: Prof Christine Unterhitzenberger
Email: c.unterhitzenberger@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in civil engineering or a related subject.
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides the students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and guidance on research methods and develop professional skills that will support them in undertaking research as well as broader project activities.
This module aims to equip students with the research skills necessary to conduct a masters’ level dissertation project. In addition, the module aims to develop the professional skills of students to support their course and prepare them for their future workplace.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Formulate valid and reliable research questions, hypotheses or conclusions through critical analysis and interpretation of information. (CIOB Learning Outcome I)
2. Apply established techniques of research and enquiry to interpret the connection between research philosophy, approach and design as well as data collection and analysis techniques. (CIOB Learning Outcome I, O, R, S)
3. Evaluate methodologies, considering the relative strengths and weaknesses of different research methods. (CIOB Learning Outcome I, O)
4. Develop a research design that is suitable and justifiable to address a particular research question. (CIOB Learning Outcome I, O)
5. Demonstrate the adoption of ethical standards in professional environments including the appraisal of ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. (CIOB Learning Outcome H, P)
6. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and applying knowledge, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level. (CIOB Learning Outcome I, K, Q)
7. Appraise and critique professional skills in a work environment
8. Demonstrate the skills required to become a reflective practitioner
1. Complex problem solving and decision making
2. Originality in the application of knowledge
3. Ability to evaluate the research design quality
4. Ability to learn new theories, concepts, methods in unfamiliar situations
5. Critical thinking
6. Reflection
7. Academic writing
8. Academic language
9. Ethics
10. Digital proficiency and productivity
11. Systems thinking
12. Communication
13. Time management planning & organizing
14. Personal / self / career management
15. Active learning
16. Managing uncertainty, ambiguity and risk
- Professional skills (time management, communication, self-management, analytical and critical thinking)
- Professionalism and competences
- Critical reflection
- Research methodology (philosophy, approach, design)
- Qualitative research methods
- Quantitative research methods
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Seminars | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Practicals | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 17 | ||
| Private study hours | 98 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided through an online quiz within each unit covered in the syllabus (e.g. professional skills, methodology, research methods). Students will also work on practical examples and cases during the seminars and practicals and will receive feedback during these sessions.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team