This module covers essential research skills that all SOAS PhD students need to develop regardless of their disciplines. Students will collectively and individually explore ten key topics on designing and managing a successful research project, laying a strong foundation for their theses and research careers. All new students will complete this module in Term 1 as part of their required training before the MPhil-to-PhD upgrade.
Delivered in a blended mode, the course will be available on Moodle to accommodate the diverse backgrounds and schedules of PGR students. Each weekly content includes a Unit Description, Resources, and Activities. These online elements will be complemented by weekly offline sessions.
To pass the module and obtain its 30 credits, students must complete all online activities, whereas offline attendance is optional.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
• Formulate research questions that are specific, answerable, and relevant
• Critically evaluate and synthesise material from different sources
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of two or more possible research methods and determine which is most suitable for their research questions and aims
• Understand the importance of ethics and integrity in research
• Understand the importance of the wellbeing of the research participants and the researcher
• Communicate research processes and outcomes to various academic and non-academic audiences
• Apply the principles and good practices of research project management to their own work
Topics covered
• PhD requirements, expectations, and support
• Research ethics, integrity, and governance
• Defining the scope of research and formulating research questions
• Advanced literature searches and reviews
• Copyright, referencing, and reference management
• Working with feedback
• Time management and self-care
• Preparing for fieldwork: visas, safety, and security
• Data management planning
• Open scholarship and public engagement
Workload
The module includes 6 hours of online activities and 2 hours of classroom sessions per week. For students not based at SOAS, classroom hours will be replaced by independent study.
Method of assessment
• Participation in all interactive exercises on Moodle (20%)
• Research Project Canvas (up to 5,000 words, 80%)
