Online Masters in Educational and Social Research (OMRes)
Syllabuses
Induction session
Students may complete the induction module prior to or during their studies. Online induction for course software: gaining access, using different functions, interacting in an online environment.
Approaches to educational research
This module provides an overview of the different approaches to educational and social research. The module looks at a range of designs that are often used in social research, including surveys, ethnography, case studies, and experiments, and contrasts some of the ways in which researchers conceptualise the outcomes of research. The module will also explore some of the fundamental methodological issues underpinning social research, particularly epistemological debates about the nature of research knowledge. The module provides training in how to formulate research questions, design research strategies, and to carry out literature searches. Through this training, students will begin to develop a portfolio of research ideas to be developed throughout the course, and will be able to review and interpret research according to the debates discussed in the module.
Research and the theoretical field
This module focuses on the ‘theoretical space’ of research, and explores the relationship between theoretical and epistemological claims/assumptions/debates and research practices. This will entail a close interrogation of both published research and students’ own research ideas.
Research methods
Research methods involves looking at a broad range of methods of data collection, including
questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis. The module provides a detailed consideration of the procedures involved in using these various research strategies, and looks at how to use methods in order to address particular research questions.
Qualitative data analysis
Qualitative data analysis considers the process of analytically orientating to qualitative data. The
module looks at a range of analytic approaches, including Grounded Theory, Discourse Analysis,
Conversation Analysis, as well as a broad variety of data formats such as video, audio, written
transcripts and historical documents.
Quantitative data analysis
This module covers a wide range of methods of quantitative data analysis and deals with both
conceptual and practical aspects. The module introduces exploratory analysis, including
descriptive statistics for summarising univariate data and measures of association for bivariate
data, hypothesis testing, and modelling data by regression analysis.
Writing and presenting educational research
This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the different ways in which
educational research can be communicated. By focussing on a variety of presentation forums,
such as peer reviewed journals, conferences and project reports, the module enables students to develop an awareness of the importance of audience for the effective communication of
ideas.
Dissertation (MRes students only)
In the dissertation module students will have the opportunity to undertake an empirical piece of
research using the analytic skills and knowledge they have gained in subsequent modules. Students will work with an assigned dissertation tutor to define an area of interest to them, and
then create and implement an appropriate research strategy to investigate that area. Students will be expected to review relevant literature in their chosen area, to review methodological issues involved in their chosen design, to analyse data, and to relate their analysis to the wider theoretical field in which their research is situated.