Key facts

UNE unit code: GEPL338

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Research plays an important role in our changing world: businesses, government agencies and civil society organisations rely on research to inform their decision-making and produce sound public policy.

The range of research issues, methods and theories is vast and no unit on research methods could hope to cover them all. Instead, in this unit we focus on equipping you with the tools and competencies you need to go forward as a confident researcher, whether your next research project is a social planning assessment, an honours thesis or some other project.

We do so by providing you with practical exercises and assessments alongside lectures that will build your knowledge and skills in research.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
any 12cp
Restrictions
GEAR330 or GEAR430 or GEPL330

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Nikki Larder
Nikki LarderLecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an awareness of the key issues relating to research and knowledge of a variety of theories, concepts, data collection techniques and sampling frameworks use in qualitative and quantitative research;
  2. demonstrate an ability to collect, interprete, analyse and evaluate academic literature;
  3. apply knowledge of research design to the design of an independent research project, from topic development through to data collection;
  4. demonstrate a capacity to think logically about the research process and its relationship to research design and implimentation; and
  5. present your ideas to different audiences in a variety of written formats.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Interactive Oral - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Ten-minutes (approx.) per student

Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2500 (equivalent)

Research ExerciseYes20%All offerings

No. Words: 1000

Small Discussion GroupYes30%All offerings

Seven-minutes (approx.) per student

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Key Methods in Geography

ISBN: 9781529772098

Clifford, Nicholas Cope, Meghan Gillespie, Thomas W. (editors), Sage 4th 2023

Note: An ebook is also available: ISBN9781529613797

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

Research Design in Urban Planning : A Student′s Guide

ISBN: 9781473921375

Stuart Farthing, Sage 2016

Note: Available at UNE’s Library as online source

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.