Course description
MRes
The Business School maintains a rigorous and dynamic doctoral programme leading to the higher degrees of MPhil and PhD.
The Master of Research, Research Methods for Business prepares you for:
* doctoral studies, or
* a career in commercial research, or
* professions that require advanced research methods skills and an understanding of research philosophy.
The programme is significantly strengthened by staff research interests and skills which form the backbone of the programme.
The degree is academically rigorous and follows the guidelines of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for research training for doctoral and pre-doctoral students. You will become familiar with research methods used by professional and academic researchers. Responsibility is placed on individual students for their own learning. In this way you will build confidence in learning, as well as gain knowledge and skills in preparation for study at doctoral level.
A core value of the programme is to provide the opportunity to develop a high level of individual research skills in addition to following a particular strand of research - for example marketing. At the same time you will be exposed to other disciplines, consistent with the school's research areas.
The course will be delivered mainly on Wheatley Campus, where there is a concentration of learning resources for business students.
The Business School has an active programme of research based around six key research areas:
* Accounting, Governance and Information Management
* Economics and Strategy
* Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management
* Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
* Marketing and Operations Management
* Pedagogy
Course content
The MRes in Research Methods for Business is modular in structure and taught over three stages, including a period for completion of the dissertation. Students are normally expected to stay in Oxford for close contact with staff and access to resources during this period.
Stage 1 introduces research methods and philosophy at this advanced level, so that you can explore both the applications and the background to research in business. This might cover research in organisations, marketplaces or specific business sectors such as tourism.
Stage 2 comprises in-depth investigation into both qualitative and quantitative methods, but again relating the methods back to the philosophy that underpins them. Research strategies such as case studies, surveys and interviews will be evaluated and applied. Computer aided analyses will also be practised.
In Stage 2 you will also study a business module that will enable you to pursue your own particular business or management specialism, and to hone your academic writing skills.
In Stage 3 you will undertake a dissertation. An academic will be appointed as your tutor to support and guide you through the process of researching and writing your dissertation. Specialisations developed in Stage 2 may be pursued in the dissertation if desired.
You will also be required to complete a personal development plan.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The course will be delivered through a blend of lectures and seminars, with the emphasis on student-centred learning. High levels of participation will be expected. Assessment will be largely coursework based.
Students who progress to studying for an MPhil/PhD have access to dedicated research suites providing workspaces, computers and storage, and a range of supporting activities, such as an annual residential research methods programme.
Teaching staff are drawn primarily from the Business School. Visiting speakers from business and industry, local government, and consultancies and research bodies provide further input.
Quality
The reputation of the Business School is underpinned through membership of and programme accreditations received from the Association of MBAs, the Association of Business Schools, and professional associations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and the European Foundation for Management Development. The Business School is, therefore, widely regarded as one of the best within its peer group.
The Business School’s programmes benefit from rigorous quality assurance procedures and regularly receive excellent feedback from external examiners, employers, students and professional bodies. In 2005, Business and Management achieved ‘Broad Confidence’, the best possible result, in the discipline audit trail as part of the Quality Assurance Agency Institutional Audit.
Many students who graduate from Business School programmes go on to achieve high status in the industry of their choice.
The Business School has an active programme of research based around six key research areas:
* Accounting, Governance and Information Management
* Economics and Strategy
* Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management
* Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour
* Marketing and Operations Management
* Pedagogy
The School maintains a rigorous and dynamic doctoral programme leading to the higher degrees of MPhil and PhD. Postgraduate students join a supportive, friendly and multicultural research environment.
