Research Design and Methods

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
SCIE 6800
Course ID icon
Course ID
201917
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
12
Course owner
Course owner
School of Society and Culture
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
George Tan
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course will provide students with a strong foundation in the conceptualisation and operationalisation of research, how to design a research project and 'hands-on' skills in the utilisation of different research methods. Students will be exposed to a wide range of research methods and will learn key principles of research design. Topics to be covered in detail include sampling, surveying, interviewing, case study analysis, focus groups, interviewing and analysing and presenting data. Intellectual and methodological debates will be discussed in order to assist students to develop informed opinions and a critical appreciation for other's research. The imperative for ethical research practice will be presented. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and ability to undertake methodologically sound, original research projects and will develop a set of transferable workplace skills.

Course learning outcomes

  • To develop knowledge and understanding of content and techniques of research that meets international standards
  • To locate, analyse and synthesis information about the diversity of research approaches
  • Develop ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions to research problems
  • Via use of problem solving and critical thinking exercises in research case studies, develop teamwork, and interpersonal skills in negotiating research programs
  • To critically evaluate the efficacy of virtual means of delivering or developing research strategies
  • To encourage and develop skills that will enhance the fulfilment of ongoing and continuous learning and intellectual curiosity via independent learning exercises
  • To demonstrate, by use of role model examples, how research can help support leadership functions within community
  • Develop understanding of cross cultural contexts and nuances/implications of cross cultural research

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 29405
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 35
Available
Available 35
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Barr Smith South, 1063
5 May - 26 May Tuesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Barr Smith South, 1063
Class number
Class number 30127
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 35
Available
Available 35
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Adelaide City Campus East ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed GEOG7001 Research Design and Methods at the University of Adelaide

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.