ME-413 Research Design and Methods (Spring 2027)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leaders:
-
- Laima Nomeikaite
- Astrid Bredholt Stensrud
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Global Development, Crisis and Change
- Master’s Programme in Planning, Place and Process
Teaching language
English
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, the students will be able to:
- develop a comprehensive research design including problem statement, research questions, literature review, theory, methods and research ethics
- have an overview of different methods used in social sciences and be able to apply these relevant methods in independent projects
- apply theoretical insights to practical case studies and field work
- write their own research proposals
- position their own research design and research project in the broader research traditions of the social sciences
Contents
The aim of the course is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and conduct a research study and write a master’s thesis. The specific goal is to train the student in research design, research methods, and the process of doing research. The students will develop an attitude as a critical researcher and practitioner, being able to make the appropriate choices in research methods and understand the implications of these decisions.
Teaching and learning methods
Online teaching through Canvas and campus-based teaching. The campus-based teachings will be streamed. Estimated workload is 27 hours per credit.
Examination requirements
Individual hand-ins and participation in group work (approved/not approved) during the course. A study guide and calendar will provide more detailed information at the beginning of the semester.
Examinations
Portfolio assessment including hand-ins and activities. The final assignment is a research proposal. All assignments must be passed in order to pass the course. All assignments in the portfolio are assessed pass/fail.
Student evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| ME-409 – Research Methods in Development Studies. | 7.5 |
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 3:15:47 PM