Module manager: David Dawson
Email: d.a.dawson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
5007M - Research Project & Leadership for Sustainability
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module uses a combination of lectures and one-to-one supervisor meetings to enable students to design and complete a sustained piece of independent research in the sustainable cities discipline and present it in the form of a Research Proposal and a Research Report. Students will advance and apply their learning from the programmes research method module (in semester 1).
On completion of the module, students will have gained topic specific skills and general skills for their future career.
SSLO1: Develop a research question into a sustained program of research, accounting for the time and resources available and any risks or ethical considerations.
SSLO2: Engage with and critically analyse the scientific literature, and show an in-depth understanding of your chosen research area.
SSLO3: Justify the methodological decisions, results and conclusions of your research with structured and coherent arguments.
SSLO4: Present your research findings in a written format at a professional level, including the appropriate use of figures, tables, appendices and referencing.
SSLO5: Communicate your proposed research plan in an oral or alternative format.
Taught aspects and project supervision will support the independent learning and delivery of the module objectives
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SKLO1: Searching for and evaluating information and using critical thinking to identify and respond to a research challenge/gap (information searching, critical thinking, creativity and innovation)
SKLO2: Working independently to plan, execute research activities and communicate outputs to specialised audience (academic writing, self-management effective communication, planning and utilising resources)
SKLO3: Selecting and applying appropriate analytical skills to a sustainability problem, recognising and implementing ethical and risk considerations (problem solving, analytical skills, ethical)
SKLO4: Effective communication of research project plans, ethical and risk considerations, and likely outcomes from the research, including impact on the sustainability cities discipline
SKLO5: Sustainability skills: system thinking; future thinking; critical thinking; integrated problem solving; information searching
SKLO6: Enterprise skills: Using insight and ability to identify and assess opportunities a project. Making sound judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data; developing project vision and purpose.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Supervision | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 570 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Oral feedback: Students will receive oral feedback on their ongoing research at supervisor meetings, where they will receive guidance on the direction and correctness of their research direction. Students are expected to have a maximum of five supervisor meetings during the module. In addition, they will receive oral feedback during learning activities in workshops.
Written feedback: Students will receive written feedback on their Research Proposal. This will include specific points on areas to improve on their research project, to be completed for the final report. Completed draft reports (prior to submission) may be commented on if timing and delivery is agreed with the supervisor and student.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Coursework | 90 |
| Research Proposal | Coursework | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
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