Professional Research Practice unit (KGA704)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit provides postgraduate students with the skills and knowledge to undertake policy-based research - a key transferable employability skill. Practical skills development focuses on undertaking research to inform evidence-based policy positions for a topical real-world issue. Upon completing this unit, you will gain an understanding of how to: define a research problem, use research databases, apply a tailored method to generate policy-relevant data, systematically analyse and present this data, interpret and communicate results, and make evidence-based policy recommendations based on research findings. The unit is a professional pathway in Masters programs in geography, planning, and spatial sciences.

Summary

Unit name	Professional Research Practice
Unit code	KGA704
Credit points	25
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Doctor Emma Little
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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

• Formulate research questions to guide research enquiries
• Analyse data collected using a literature review to answer research questions
• Interpret research findings derived from a systematic literature review
• Construct policy recommendations informed by systematic review.

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.

Requisites

Prerequisites

none

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Tuition is comprised of video lectures, practical, skills-development workshops and liaison with a client.
Assessment	Scoping the review (15%)|Implementing the method (20%)|Data analysis and presentation (25%)|Major report (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings are available in MyLO.

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