AAMRM: Research Methods: Dissertation

Module code: AAMRM

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 40

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Cristina Cerulli, email: c.cerulli@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have an ARB Part-1 qualification. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AAMAD3 AND TAKE AAMPS (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module builds on and expands research skills gained in Architectural Skills for Professional Resilience (AAM SPR) module, preparing students to deliver a sustained and rigorous piece of independent research through the production of a written dissertation. 

Topics are selected from a list provided by the school’s ‘Design Research Units’ (DRU) and might include architectural history and theory, design science, tectonic studies, sustainability, urban and building design, creative practices in relation to architecture. The research might be developed in relation to the design studio project (AAM AD3) or build upon Professional Skills module (AAM PS) addressing questions of professional practice and architectural pedagogies. 

This module aims to evidence and apply relevant research methods and academic enquiry, as well as an understanding of their development and relationship to the history of the field of architectural practice in order to produce a significant piece of independent research. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of a range of research methodologies (including art practice), their appropriate usage and their place in the history of architectural knowledge; GC3.1 
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC2.1 
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC2.2 
4. Demonstrate knowledge of how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC3.1 
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC3.2 
6. Demonstrate critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design; GA2.4 
7. Demonstrate problem solving skills, professional judgment, and ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances; GA2.6 
8. Demonstrate the ability to identify individual learning; GA2.7 
9. Demonstrate key employability skills: written, visual and verbal communication, research, project planning, ethical good practice, interviewing and data management. 
10. Understandi a range of research methods applicable to architectural practice. 
11. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of research and innovation within the field of architecture. 
12. Develop a robust well researched research project proposal evidenced through a piece of critical writing. 

Module content

This module consists primarily of independent research. The module is closely related to other modules, including Architectural Design 3: Thesis Design (AAMAD3) module, providing an opportunity to further develop research skills in relevant current architectural issues that in some form relate to questions and problems that arise from/ are addressed by the design studio practice. This module offers an opportunity to evidence a deep understanding of a topical issue in architecture through a substantial reflective piece of critical writing/dissertation. This final written dissertation should bring together a ‘position’ informed by the AAMSPR module and inform the major Thesis Design Project (AAMAD3). 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students will conduct their research and writing under the direction of the supervisor who will arrange discussions in seminar and tutorial sessions around the progress and development of an individual piece of writing.  

Students will also be expected to present their emergent research work to the rest of the cohort for feedback during seminar(s). 

Study hours

At least 5 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

This module includes formative assessments from both lecturer(s) and peers participating in seminars (research progress seminar presentation), tutorials, and group discussions. 

A Dissertation Proposal, including research question, research plan, and reading list will be submitted and agreed with the supervisor before summer in Year 1. The key formative submission points will include: a Dissertation Outline (Week 1, Semester 1),  Ethics Application (Week 3, Semester 1), and a Final Dissertation Draft (Week 9, Semester 1), which will receive feedback through tutorials. 

Reassessment

Additional costs