Module manager: Piroska Lorinczi
Email: P.Lorinczi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| SOEE2571 | Research in the Environmental Social Sciences |
| SOEE2701 | Fieldwork and Tutorials 2 |
| SOEE3035 | Sustainability Research Project |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On completion of this module students will have developed original subject-specific knowledge in their chosen area and written it up in the form of a research-based dissertation.
On completion of this module you will have developed original subject-specific knowledge in your chosen area and written it up in the form of a research-based dissertation. You should be in a position to contribute to related critical debate, and demonstrate that you:
• recognise and use subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
• analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically;
• collect and integrate several lines of evidence, either to formulate and test hypothesis, or to use within other recognised research instruments;
• recognise any moral and ethical issues relevant to your subject of research and recognise the need for professional codes of conduct, where appropriate;
• draw meaningful generalisations and implications from specific findings;
• plan conduct and report on an original investigation;
• undertake field, laboratory or other practical investigations in a responsible and safe manner;
• reference other work appropriately;
• communicate findings effectively in written form.
In addition, you will have developed further skills in self-management (working independently, time management and organisational skills), in working towards academic targets, and in adopting a flexible approach to study and work.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
SSLO1: recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
SSLO2: collecting, analysing and integrating information critically;
SSLO3: recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct;
SSLO4: planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of primary or secondary data;
SSLO5: reporting a scientific study in an academically appropriate style and format.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: referencing work in an appropriate manner and appropriately recognising the work of others [Academic Skills]
SKLO2: developing self- and project-management skills, working independently on a substantial project, setting appropriate milestones and organising time and resources accordingly [Work Ready Skills]
SKLO3: identifying and addressing knowledge and skills gaps in relation to the project and broader career development [Work Ready Skills]
SKLO4: developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work, managing a project around the availability of resources and academic supervision [Academic and Work Ready Skills]
SKLO5: searching for, analysing and synthesising information from a variety of sources; make decisions and manage a project on this basis[Work Ready Skills]
SKLO6: communicating complex, scientific information appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form [Work Ready Skills]
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
- recognising the moral and ethnical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct;
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory;
- undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders;
- referencing work in an appropriate manner;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills);
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.
The module places moderate emphasis on:
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form.
Individual research programme on an approved topic. For each individual student the topic must be specifically commensurate with the title of their degree programme. Topic formulation; background reading; methodology; empirical evidence; analysis; findings; evaluation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Seminars | 26 | 1 | 26 |
| Fieldwork | 4 | 7.5 | 30 |
| Lecture | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Practical | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 365 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 65 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 430 | ||
NB The average field / lab work time for the project is 30 hours.
Project work: 354 hours
1. Informal conversations with PGR demonstrator and ML at the 26 optional drop-in sessions.
2. Poster presentation & review session. All student to prepare a poster to a prescribed format, to be presented and critiqued in open session with project supervisor
3. Progress report. Two-page report summarising key steps and outcomes to date. Supervisor to give feedback
4. Dissertation draft. Supervisor to provide feedback on a 10-page-maximum segment of a draft dissertation
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| 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