SD1S025 - Research, Evaluation and Policy 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: SD1S025
Module Title: Research, Evaluation and Policy
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Leadership and Public Services
Faculty Sub Group: Leadership and Public Services
Module Leader: Wendy Booth
Module Team: David Phillips, Nick Swann
First Intended Intake: SEP 2030 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100505 - sociology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

The aim of the module is to introduce students to research and evaluation skills and techniques in relation to social issues, the workplace and social policy.  

The objectives of the module are to:?? 

  1. Describe basic quantitative and qualitative research methods and sampling techniques 

  1. Develop an understanding of the role of research both inside and outside academia 

  1. Examine case studies in relation to research, evaluation and policy? 

  1. Identify problems and situations that can be managed or improved through research and evaluation    

  1. Design appropriate research and evaluation approaches that can lead to a set of recommendations 

  1. Apply techniques such as SWOT analysis and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to a societal issue 

  1. Reflect on experiences of self and others using Kolb’s model  

  1. Consider level 5’s workplace module    

Content Summary

This is a block module that will allow students to see the link between academic research and research and evaluation in the workplace, as well as its importance to social policy. The focus here is very much on applied sociology. The rationale for various research methods and sampling techniques will be explored to support students in considering which methods are best for which context and who should be involved. This will be brought to life through the examination of case studies and real-life scenarios, as well as the opportunity to apply techniques such as SWOT analysis and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This level 4 module provides a basis for the Research Methods and Project Management module in level 5, and the Dissertation/Extended project in level 6. Students will be asked to reflect on teamwork activities using Kolb’s model. In addition, time will be allocated to engage in consideration of level 5’s workplace module as part of students exploring their research and career interests.    

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminars 40
Independent Study 88
Directed Study 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop an understanding of the role of research both inside and outside academia
LO2 Design appropriate research and evaluation approaches that can lead to a set of recommendations

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 A student-led discussion of a podcast 10 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 A portfolio that includes research and reflection 0 1500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 ✔ ✔
Portfolio 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Alcock, P. and Gregory, L. (2022). Social policy in Britain. Bloomsbury Publishing. 

Bell, E. Bryman, A. and Harley, B. (2022). Business research methods. Oxford university press. 

Dunleavy, P. Rainford, P. and Tinkler, J. (2011). Innovating out of Austerity in Local Government: A SWOT analysis. 

Giddens, A., and Sutton, P. W. (2017). Sociology. 8th edition. Cambridge: Polity. 

Ryan, B. J. Coppola, D. Canyon, D. V. Brickhouse, M. and Swienton, R. (2020). COVID-19 community stabilization and sustainability framework: an integration of the Maslow hierarchy of needs and social determinants of health. Disaster medicine and public health preparedness, 14(5), 623-629. 

Wollmann, H. (2017). Policy evaluation and evaluation research. In Handbook of public policy analysis (pp. 419-428). Routledge.