Spatial Research and Policy Analysis

Course overview

A methods-focused programme for professionals producing or commissioning spatial research: framing research questions, selecting methods, handling spatial and non-spatial evidence together, and drawing policy-relevant conclusions that survive scrutiny.

Who it is for

• Researchers and academics
• Planning professionals
• Public-sector and agency teams

What participants will learn

• Frame a tractable spatial research question
• Select and justify appropriate methods
• Combine spatial, statistical and qualitative evidence
• Translate findings into policy-relevant conclusions

Curriculum outline

1. Module 1

   Research design

   • Problem framing, scope and research questions
   • Method selection and study design

2. Module 2

   Evidence and analysis

   • Spatial and statistical analysis in combination
   • Qualitative evidence and triangulation

3. Module 3

   Policy translation

   • Reading and appraising policy documents
   • Structuring findings, limitations and recommendations

Expected practical outcomes

• A defensible research design for a chosen topic
• An analysis plan with methods and data sources
• A policy-facing summary of findings

Prerequisites

• Prior research or policy experience is recommended