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Masters in Research

Students will work with a range of different data collection and analysis approaches including the use of relevant analytical and statistical software. Issues of research governance and research ethics, research design and execution are at the heart of this programme.

Programme content

The programme is designed for students who are interested in developing a wide range of research techniques, and have an interest in researching in education as a career, or as a preliminary to further study of education at doctoral level. It is designed to meet criteria for research training laid down by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Quantitative Methods in Social Research enables students to understand and to conduct studies involving large amounts of data, to design survey instruments, and to convert data into findings using statistical approaches. It develops students’ understanding of causality and covariance in research data. You will practise skills of designing quantitative research, for example through survey design, explore the power and limitations of quantitative methods, and engage in gathering and analysing quantitative data. You have the option of carrying out an independent small-scale quantitative study to extend the module from 20 to 40 credits.

Qualitative Methods in Social Research explores more interpretative approaches to research, using some familiar techniques such as interviewing and observation, and some less widely-used approaches such as Nominal Group Technique, Personal Construct Analysis, and ethnography. You will experience and practise some of the techniques in workshops and as directed tasks, and will discuss your findings with others. You have the option of exploring qualitative methods further by independent study to extend the module from 20 to 40 credits.

Theory, Practice and Ethics in Social Research explores research paradigms, the ethical dimensions of researching and the ways in which understandings about knowledge, and philosophical approaches, inform research design and conduct. You will engage in critical examination of the varying philosophical approaches that underpin social research. In group sessions you will analyse the ways in which philosophy, methodology, and research ethics work together. You will share aspects of your exploration with the wider community of researchers through participation in conferences, writing papers for research journals, and designing and presenting posters.

The Dissertation Module enables students to analyse and critique in depth one or more approaches to data collection and analysis, or a methodological issue, or a question of research ethics.

Three levels of award are possible:

• Satisfactory completion of the introductory modules ‘Quantitative Methods in Social Research’ and ‘Qualitative Methods in Social Research’ leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research in Education.
• Adding ‘Theory, Practice and Ethics in Social Research’ would give a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research in Education.
• Completing a methodological enquiry in the dissertation module leads to the MRes.