Annex B - Module Outlines
Note: Students should note that module codes are new from the 2011-12 academic year and replace any previous year's examination numbers. This change does not affect the syllabus or content of the module. The new code for each module is shown next to the course title in Annex A and Annex B of the Programme Specification and Detailed Regulations. For a table showing how old examination numbers are replaced by new course/module codes, see the University of London International Programmes website: www.londoninternational.ac.uk/new_codesThe module codes are appended to the module titles and these codes should be used when entering for an examination.
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 (REM010)
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.
Assessment: one two-hour unseen written paper (81%) and one assignment of 1000 words (19%)
Research methods (REM020)
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.
Assessment: one two-hour unseen written paper (81%) and one assignment of 1000 words (19%).
Writing and presenting educational research (REM030)
Not available as an Individual module taken on a stand-alone basis
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.
Assessment: one assignment of 1500 words (100%).
Research and the theoretical field (REM040)
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.
Assessment: one two-hour unseen written paper (81%) and one assignment of 2000 words (19%).
Qualitative data analysis (REM050)
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.
Assessment: one two hour unseen written paper (100%)
Quantitative data analysis (REM060)
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.
Assessment: one two hour unseen written paper (100%)
Dissertation (REM200)
MRes students only.
Not available as an Individual module taken on a stand-alone basis
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.
Assessment: a dissertation of 15,000 words (excluding references and appendices).
