This module is designed for students in the Graduate Programme in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development. It focuses on developing students' own research skills in planning and implementing data collection and on their ability to critique research reports. This module serves as a precursor to RDEV40460 (Research Methods ‐ Part 2).

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
‐ demonstrate an understanding of the role of research in development
‐ demonstrate an understanding of and apply the principles of social research
‐ understand the theory underpinning social research and qualitative and quantitative approaches to social research
‐ develop and defend a research proposal‐ plan and implement various research methods
‐ plan and defend a sampling strategy
‐ critique research papers and reports
‐ apply principles of social research to applied research problems (needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation).

Assessment:
Written Examination 60%
Projects/continuous assessment 40%