2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

MSc Educational Research Methods

A part-time variant of this programme is available, Prog Code MSC-ED/ER-PT. For further details, please contact programme leader.

Total credits: 180

Entry requirements:

Normally a first degree and at least 2 years' experience in the field of education. Other applicants with appropriate experience will be considered on an individual basis.

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Education

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

School of Education

Programme specification:

The purpose of the programme is to provide Masters level training in research methodology which meets the requirements of the ESRC's 1+3 arrangement for research studentships. However the programme can also be taken as a 120 credit Post-Graduate Diploma and a 60 credit Post-Graduate Certificate in Research Methods. The modules are also available to MA, Ed D and PhD students.

The programme is designed to fulfil two main aims:
1. to develop students' critical understanding and awareness of the range of methodological and theoretical issues within educational and social science research.
2. to develop their practical proficiency and competence in applying such understanding through a range of research methods.

Given these aims, the intention is to offer a mode of training that allows for the development of technical proficiency informed by and located within a range of methodological and philosophical frameworks.

One of the crucial aspects of the programme in terms of both structure and underpinning philosophy is its attempt to combat simplistic polarisation and thus help its students avoid such perceived bifurcations as having to choose either a 'qualitative' or 'quantitative' research identity.

The Programme's philosophy may thus be reflected in the epithet 'critical eclecticism', whereby students will be encouraged to select and integrate methods which are appropriate to the kind of research issues and contexts they may encounter at various junctures of their professional careers. Although various forms of specialisation can be encouraged, this should not be done so at the expense of methodological ignorance of what other strategies and methods can offer. Thus the overriding purpose of the programme is to provide students with a generic grounding in research methods that combines both breadth and depth; insight and capability. Although obviously graduated depending on which course is taken, the modules common to all four courses will nevertheless involve iterative coverage of specific topics designed to consolidate practical grasp.

In broad terms we will during the life-cycle of the programme iteratively address the following interlocking themes: philosophical issues, research design, methods of data collection and methods of data analysis.

The teaching methods to be used within the modules will be a combination of on-line study materials, seminars, workshops and student-led presentations.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:

Last updated: 02/06/2016

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