ObjectivesThis programme integrates a core of social research with the long established Integrated Masters Programme in Education and education research. This provides students with a unique opportunity to combine elements of two of the University’s most successful postgraduate programmes.This programme combines education research with a range of modules from the existing MSc in Social Research to provide students with a flexible opportunity to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the research process. This award is intended for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of education and social research theory and practice, either before taking up employment, whilst in employment as part of a career development programme or going on to pursue doctoral research. The degree provides students with a relevant, advanced and sophisticated understanding of research processes within an education context. In addition, because this programme uses a core of modules which are utilised on a suite of similar programmes there is flexibility to change between these programmes if a student so wishes. (MSc Social Research, MSc Social & Market Research and MSc Social Research and Evaluation).
Entry requirementsEntry requirementsA good honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional qualification. Other applications will be considered depending on experience, motivation and aptitude.
Course descriptionProgramme highlights
-Provides specific, policy relevant research skills.
-Flexible structure
-Can be taken full time or part time (up to 5 years)
-Modules can be taken as ‘stand alone’ courses, no need to sign up to the whole programme
-Opportunity to undertake a professional research placement instead of the traditional dissertation
Further study, research and employment opportunities
This programme is suited equally to those wishing to pursue an academic research career and those seeking employment in a professional educational research environment.
General programme structure
The programme can be taken as a series of separate stand alone modules. There are some constraints in terms of the order in which modules must be taken. In addition there is a postgraduate diploma and MSc stage to the programme.
The PgDip element comprises all the taught modules with the exception of the dissertation or work-based placement, and can be taken as a stand – alone qualification. A further period spent researching and writing a dissertation leads to the MSc award.
If you study on a full-time basis, the MSc programme lasts one calendar year, starting in September. Attendance is for two full days a week during term times; these teaching days are at present almost always timetabled for Mondays and Fridays.
Typically, part-time study takes two years, and attendance is for one day. In year one, at present this is a Monday, and in year two, Friday. However, you may take the programme over a maximum period of five years.
This is an innovative programme in social and education research. The university has a long and distinguished record of social research methods, which is here combined with the highly successful Integrated Masters Programme in Education.
This gives you the opportunity to learn about education research through practical experience. It combines a sound academic grounding in social research methods with practical education research skills.
Detailed programme structure
-Social research design
-Philosophical and methodological foundations of the social sciences
-Quantitative analysis using SPSS, descriptive and bivariate statistics.
-Qualitative approaches to social research
-Practical fieldwork skills
-Project planning
-Placement option available
-Wide range of education modules available from Integrated Master Programme
-Specific education research training