Professional Research Methods unit (KGA703)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit focuses on designing research to solve real problems, and to communicate your findings. You will learn how to design mixed methods research, scope research problems using existing research literature, consider ethical issues in data collection, generate field data, analyse and present these data, interpret results, and create communication tools to share findings with different stakeholders. You will reflect on all these processes and their application to, for example, policy and professional contexts. The unit is a professional pathway in Masters programs in geography, planning, and spatial sciences.

Summary

Unit name	Professional Research Methods
Unit code	KGA703
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Chloe Rumsby
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• model professional conduct by engaging in mixed methods research design and communication
• collect and analyse social data
• collect, query, and produce spatial information
• collect and analyse environmental data

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050900	$2,384.00	$2,384.00	not applicable	$6,764.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Each week, students must complete a small amount of targeted pre-reading and must attend workshops in Zoom or on the Sandy Bay campus in a room allocated each year - see MyLO. Students must also do work to progress all assessments in a sequenced way, and that sequence will be described to them in Week 1 and again each week. Students based in Hobart and environs will attend a 6-hour field trip to Mount Nelson in Week 5. Those remote from Hobart or offshore will be able to conduct their own field work, as covered by a task-based risk assessment.
Assessment	Spatial Research Report (15%)|Environmental Research Report (25%)|Research Journal and Interview (30%)|Social Research and Communication Report (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Please consult the KGA703 MyLO site.
Recommended	Please consult the KGA703 MyLO site.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.