GY452      Half Unit
Urban Research Methods

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Hyun Shin CKK.3.17

Additional teacher(s): Professor Neil Lee; Prof Gareth Jones; Professor Claire MercerDr Romola Sanyal; Dr Jessie Speer; Dr Austin Zeiderman; A.N.Other

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Urbanisation and Development. This course is not available as an outside option.

This course is available on the MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) for those students who choose the MSc in Urbanisation and Development track for their Year 2 studies.

Course content


The course aims to introduce students to the key methods that are frequently mobilised to carry out research on urbanising societies around the world. Additionally, the course is to help students think more systematically about methodological considerations in order to execute a successful dissertation research. Below is an indicative list of themes that are normally covered in the course:

  • Designing an urban research project and ethics
  • Comparative (case) studies
  • Working with archives
  • Interviews and focus groups
  • Conducting ethnography
  • Quantitative data and questionnaires
  • Analysis and write-up

Teaching

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.

 

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across Winter Term.

 

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term. 


Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the WT.

Indicative reading

Flyvbjerg, B. (2001) Making social science matter: Why social inquiry fails and how it can succeed again. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Hay, I. (ed.) (2010) Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Heimer, M. and Thogersen, S. (eds.) (2006) Doing fieldwork in China. Copenhagen: NIAS Press

Hennink, M. et al (2011) Qualitative Research Methods. London; Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE

Sayer, A. (1992) Method in social science: A realist approach. London: Routledge

Ward, K. (ed.) (2012) Researching the city: a guide for students. London: Sage

Assessment

Essay (70%, 2500 words) and research proposal (30%) in the ST.

Student performance results

(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 35.4
Merit 44.6
Pass 18.5
Fail 1.5

Key facts

Department: Geography and Environment

Total students 2022/23: 19

Average class size 2022/23: 19

Controlled access 2022/23: Yes

Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (LT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication