Postgraduate Handbook 2026-2027
Module THEO50A90: Foundations for the research project
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO50A90: Foundations for the research project
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 5 | 90 | Available in 2026/2027 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To equip students to conduct doctoral-level research in practical theology in the context of ministry.
Content
- This will embrace four main areas:
- Qualitative research methods, e.g. designing and beginning ethnographic research, data analysis
- Literature-based research methods, e.g. identifying key texts and designing a literature review
- General research skills, e.g. reading and writing
- Subject-specific guidance (from supervisors)
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Demonstrable in-depth understanding of the literature associated with the selected investigation
- Advanced understanding of a range of research methods and the ability to identify suitable techniques of data collection and analysis relevant to the proposed investigation
- An understanding of research ethics, where qualitative research is included
Subject-specific Skills
- The ability to construct a viable research proposal in theology in the context of ministry.
- Advanced research skills including the ability to identify main questions and key sources.
- Ability to present engagement with textual sources and/or qualitative data and analysis to professional standard.
Key Skills
- The ability to present sophisticated and complex information clearly in the written form.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures: to model approaches to research in a range of theological disciplines
- Workshops: to learn a range of research skills and methods relevant to the student’s project, from a range of qualitative research and literature-based research oriented sessions
- Tutorials with subject experts: to allow small-group and one-to-one discussion of research being undertaken by the students
- Supervision meetings: to allow focused discussion with supervisory team of research being undertaken by the student
- Presentations: to allow students to practice research skills and methods
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 | 4 per residential school | 90 minutes | 12 | |
| Tutorials | 2 | 1 per residential school | 90 minutes | 3 | |
| Workshops | 6 | 3 per residential school | 90 minutes | 9 | |
| Supervision Sessions | 4 | 1 initial meeting then minimum another 3 | 60 minutes | 4 | Yes |
| Presentations | 42 | 1 per residential school (typically first presenting research proposal, second presenting essay as article for publication) 20 per residential (other students’ presentations) | 45 | 31.50 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 840.50 | ||||
| Total | 900 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 20% | Research Proposal | 2,000 words | 100% | |
| Article For Publication | 50% | Essay | 7,000 words | 100% | |
| Research Methodology and Justification | 30% | Essay | 6,000 words | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Written pieces as directed by the student's supervisors with written and verbal feedback.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.