Module manager: Dr Marco-Felipe King
Email: m.f.king@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Admission to UG programmes in the School of Civil Engineering
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In this module, you will conduct a substantial research project in civil engineering, environmental engineering, architecture, or architectural engineering. You will work independently under the guidance of a supervisor and transition from receiving knowledge to creating it, investigating a question that interests you while developing professional research capabilities. You will identify a research gap, plan and execute a research programme, and write an independent research report (dissertation) where you describe your research project and communicate your findings in a critical way. Projects often combine multiple approaches and can involve laboratory work, computational modelling, fieldwork, surveys/interviews, or systematic literature reviews.
The objectives of this module are:
-To learn how to identify research gaps and define a research project to address them, setting specific research questions and objectives that are achievable within the time limits.
-To plan and execute independent research programmes using the appropriate methods, understanding the limitations of different alternative approaches.
-To collect, analyse, and synthesise information effectively, applying suitable techniques and critical evaluation.
-To develop an awareness of critical approaches, understanding and acknowledging the limitations of a research project.
-To communicate findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including the write-up of a research project report.
-To work independently and proactively, adopting a self-driven approach to research work and managing tasks within a constrained timescale.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes indicated between brackets and ARB competencies between square brackets):
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics/statistics/engineering principles, to formulate/analyse complex problems and reach substantial conclusions (M1, M2);
2. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed (M3) [RE1 part];
3. Select and evaluate technical literature and other relevant sources of information to address a complex problem. (M4) [RE1 part];
4. Apply an integrated/systematic approach to investigating a complex research problem (M6) [RE1 part];
5. Consider ethical implications and make well-reasoned ethical choices (M8) [PE1 part];
6. Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with the research project undertaken (M9) [M7 part];
7. Adopt a secure and proportionate approach to the security of data used/generated within the project (M10);
8. Ability to develop and apply relevant practical and laboratory skills to an area of civil engineering research as appropriate for their project. (M12);
9. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13);
10. Develop knowledge of the legal and contractual issues particularly with respect to Health and Safety procedural requirements in laboratory and field-based research (M15);
11. Function effectively as an individual. Includes taking responsibility for planning and carrying out a programme of research and make appropriate adjustments to schedules and methodologies on an on-going basis. (C16/M16) [M10];
12. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters to technical and non-technical audiences (C17/M17) [M11].
This module will be used for the formative and summative assessment of English language competency.
ACADEMIC SKILLS
-SK1. Plan and manage an extended independent research project, adapting schedules and methods as needed.
-SK2. Critically evaluate sources and synthesize findings to build coherent, evidence-based arguments.
-SK3. Demonstrate academic integrity through proper attribution, honest reporting, and acknowledgment of limitations.
DIGITAL SKILLS
-SK4. Use appropriate digital tools for data collection, analysis, visualization, and presentation.
-SK5. Apply secure and responsible data management practices, including backup and compliance with regulations.
CULTURAL SKILLS
-SK6. Work autonomously with initiative and resilience over an extended period.
-SK7. Reflect critically on research processes and outcomes to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
-SK8. Manage a multi-month project within time and resource constraints, meeting deadlines effectively.
-SK9. Recognize limits of expertise and seek timely guidance from supervisors or specialists.
-SK10. Make reasoned decisions under uncertainty, justifying chosen approaches.
-SK11. Produce professional-standard written work that adheres to disciplinary conventions.
-SK12. Communicate technical information clearly through oral presentations and respond effectively to critique.
GLOBAL CITIZENS
-SK13. Assess social, environmental, and sustainability implications of research and design decisions.
-SK14. Apply ethical principles and professional responsibility, considering impacts on people and the environment.
INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE
-SK15. Identify genuine research gaps and formulate focused, original questions.
-SK16. Adapt research approaches creatively in response to emerging findings or constraints.
- Research proposal development: formulating research questions, aims, and SMART objectives
- Dissertation structure and academic writing conventions for engineering and architecture
- Data presentation: tables, figures, graphs, and visual communication
- Referencing and attribution practices
- Research ethics frameworks and decision-making
- Research integrity: honesty, rigour, transparency
- Data management, security, and GDPR compliance
- Health and safety in laboratory and field research
- Working with human participants and stakeholders
- Methodology selection and research design
- Literature review and critical evaluation
- Data collection and analysis techniques
- Progress monitoring and adaptive project management
- Critical evaluation of findings and limitations
- Professional communication and presentation
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 | 12 | 0.5 | 12 |
| Lectures | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 182 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Bi-weekly supervisory meetings. Research proposal written feedback in January.
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