Research Methods in Education (MAED4101)

This module focuses on the principles, procedures and processes associated with undertaking educational research. Students will develop

Part of Education MA

This module is part of the University’s Education MA . You will study alongside other students on this course. The module is also part of the Professional Development MA/MSc course - a flexible course that you help design to take your career to the next level.

Overview

This module focuses on the principles, procedures and processes associated with undertaking educational research.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the philosophical, methodological and ethical issues involved in conceptualising and designing educational research. Students will engage with, and critically appraise a variety of research approaches, methods and practices associated with educational enquiry.

A research proposal will be produced which synthesises these understandings in response to a proposed educational research question which could be used to inform the MA dissertation.

Students will be introduced to the notion of educational research, the philosophical stances that underpin various approaches to research and notions of ontology and epistemology. They will explore a variety of the more commonly used qualitative and quantitative methodologies and methods that they are likely to encounter as they engage with the research of others.
They will explore ideas for research that might be of interest to them in their contexts and situations and discuss with each other and the tutors what methodological approaches would best suit such topics. They will discuss a variety of methods for generating, collecting and analysing data suitable to their chosen area. They will reflect on various ethical issues that their research might engender.
They will consider how they can create an effective research proposal that communicates their ideas in a clear and precise manner to an appropriate audience.

It is expected that all advertised modules will run, but there may be situations where there are insufficient students to make a particular module viable.

Career benefits

This module will be of interest to those working in, or aspiring to work in, any educational or training field. It will enable you to show academic development in education at postgraduate level and is particularly suited to those who seek career advancement within education.

The module will help you to develop transferable critical thinking, academic argument, and problem solving skills in relation to complex issues in education. It will also provide a foundation for those who wish to progress to further academic study at doctoral level.

Module delivery

The following teaching and learning strategies may be used and collectively cover all the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

Short lectures: with a variety of staff members using a range of media and technologies (e.g. presentations with audio) to take place virtually (BlackBoard Collaborate) as well as/or in person (traditional model) to cover all ILOs.
Seminars: tutor-led or peer-led class discussions on an identified topic (virtual or in person).
Tutorials: one-to-one or small group supervised discussions to provide direction and feedback (BlackBoard Collaborate or face-to-face) to cover all ILOs.
Focused tasks designed to enable reflection and development of assignments (uploaded to e-journal for tutor feedback).
Guided reading.
Interactive and online journaling (BlackBoard), to enable professional reflection and the development of a robust and viable research design.
On-going constructive and timely feedback (via email, in person and via private e-journal).

Written Assignment of 4,000 words (100% weighting)

A holistic research proposal (which reflects the student’s interests and/or professional background, produced in response to a self-devised research question).

Timetabled sessions are expected to be:

Saturdays, 9.15am – 4.15pm (25/01/25; 08/02/25; 01/03/25; 22/03/25)

Thursdays 14.15pm – 4.15pm (23/01/25; 30/01/25; 13/02/25; 27/02/25; 13/03/25; 27/03/25)

Entry Requirements

General admission requirements for entry to the programme are:

A good honours degree (2.2 or above) and a significant interest in education and/or equivalent professional qualifications, experience and evidence of continuing professional development.
International students must hold a qualification equivalent to a UK first or second class honours degree.
All International student for whom English is not their first language are required to achieve IELTS 6.5 or equivalency – with no less than 5.5 in any element.