Module manager: Professor Gehan Selim (interim)
Email: G.Selim@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: invalid View Timetable
Year running
BA/BEng Architecture, Architectural Engineering or related degrees
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of research design and data analysis, covering quantitative and qualitative methods. It introduces various research approaches, designs, and techniques for conducting architecture and humanities research. The module introduces students to the challenges of designing, implementing and disseminating a research project. They will also build the skills needed for architectural research to inform design, encouraging you to consider how your investigations contribute to the academic knowledge in their field.
1. Provide a strong foundation in research methodologies to design and plan research studies to investigate theories and underlying assumptions
2. Introduce the fundamental concepts of architecture and urban research.
3. Equip students with the suitable skills to undertake independent research projects.
4. Enhance ability to identify real context challenges that can be explored using primary and secondary evidence sources.
5. Develop the capacity to formulate clear, concise research questions and choose appropriate investigative methods.
6. Prepare students for designing and conducting comprehensive literature searches, identifying knowledge gaps, and critically appraising the literature to refine research questions and contextualise their studies.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to identify and explain different types of research designs (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods) and select an appropriate design for architectural research
2. Understand and implement various data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations, case studies) and appropriate analysis techniques.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles in research, including AI integrity, informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection, and operate within the limits of personal competence and expertise
4. Develop clear, coherent, and professional research reports, essays, or presentations that effectively communicate research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. Understand the implications and benefits of working with existing buildings including potential for re-use and retrofit, and the resulting environmental impact.
6. Ability to deliver a reflective analysis through verbal and/or written means.
Indicative content:
1. Design Methods
2. Conducting interviews
3. Ethnography and observational research
4. Field Research & Community Participation
5. Visualising data and analysis
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Lectures | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Seminars | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Practicals | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 91 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students must attend all lectures/seminar sessions designed to facilitate the development of research skills and the consolidation of learning. The formative feedback will be provided in small groups to emphasise discussion and debate. This format provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate students’ progress and deliver targeted feedback. Separate study days will be scheduled for each group, led by the module leader or supporting academic staff.
The module will utilise the announcements area, to foster the exchange of ideas, pose questions, and provide feedback. These interactive spaces will be overseen by the module leader, who will review and respond to comments on a weekly basis throughout the semester.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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