module specification

CT7007 - Research Methods (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Research Methods
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 200
 
64 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
100 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   (i) A critical review (2000 words) (ii) Communicating research findings. (1,000 words).
Coursework 50%   Research Proposal (3,000 words)
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

This module equips students with essential research skills and methodologies for advanced academic and professional inquiry. It covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, focusing on research design, data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations. Students will cultivate critical thinking and practical skills to plan, execute, and present high-quality research projects tailored to the technology sector.

Prior learning requirements

Available for Study Abroad? No

Syllabus

Introduction to Research

  • Nature and purpose of research: basic, applied, exploratory, and explanatory types.

Literature Review

  • Identifying relevant sources of literature in computing and engineering. [LO1]

Citing References

  • Referencing techniques and avoiding plagiarism.

Research Design and Methodology [LO3]

  • Formulating research questions and hypotheses for technical projects.
  • Selecting qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches.
  • Conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, observational methods, and case studies tailored to computing and engineering.
  • Risk assessment.

Research Ethics and Governance [LO2]

  • Ethical principles and approval processes for technical research.
  • Addressing challenges in data privacy, intellectual property, and cybersecurity.

Quantitative Research Techniques [LO3]

  • Sampling methods for technical data.
  • Introduction to statistical tools and software commonly used in computing and engineering.

Data Analysis and Interpretation [LO2]

  • Applying suitable tools and methods for analysing and interpreting research data.

Communicating Research Findings [LO2, LO4]

  • Writing technical research reports and papers.
  • Preparing presentations, posters, abstracts, and conclusions for technical and non-technical audiences in computing and engineering.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module consists of 3 hours of scheduled teaching activity per week, including a 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour workshop, delivered over the course duration. In addition to scheduled teaching, students are expected to engage in independent study to consolidate their learning and prepare for assessments.

The breakdown of study time is as follows:

  • Scheduled teaching activity: Approximately 20% of the total study time.
  • Independent study: Approximately 80%, including:
  1. Reviewing lecture and workshop materials.
  2. Conducting literature reviews.
  3. Formulating research proposals.
  4. Drafting and revising critical reviews of academic literature.

This balance ensures that students have adequate guided instruction while developing autonomy in conducting research and producing high-quality academic outputs.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 

LO1 Identify, search for, and find research literature on a given topic relevant to computing and engineering disciplines.    

LO2 Summarise, synthesise and critically evaluate literature from various sources. 

LO3 Design a research proposal, including clear aims, objectives, and methodology, specifically for computing and engineering projects.   

LO4 Communicate research findings clearly and effectively through appropriate formats, addressing the needs of both technical and non-technical audiences.

Bibliography

CT7007 Research Methods in Computing and Engineering | London Metropolitan University

 

  • David V. Thiel (2014), Research Methods for Engineers. Cambridge Press. Core
  • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2020). *Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches*. SAGE Publications.  Core
  • Dawson, C. W. (2019). *Projects in Computing and Information Systems: A Student’s Guide*. Pearson Education.  Core
  • Additional reading
  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). *Research Methods for Business Students*. Pearson Education.  
  • Silverman, D. (2021). *Qualitative Research*. SAGE Publications.  
  • Field, A. (2018). *Discovering Statistics Using SPSS*. SAGE Publications.  
  • Montgomery, D. C., & Runger, G. C. (2020). *Applied Statistics and Probability for Engineers*. Wiley.