Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Completion of 120 credits from MEd taught programme, including compulsory module EDU8095: Research Strategies and Methods

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

• To enable students to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a topic of their choice within the field of Education.
• To enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the research process
by devising and conducting an original investigation.
• To provide students with the opportunity both to extend their repertoire of methodological skills and demonstrate a capacity for critical reflexivity.

The module provides students with experience of undertaking a substantial, independent empirical enquiry into an approved educational topic. The research project will be presented in a report of 15,000 words. Supervisors will offer guidance about the choice of format and feasibility of the topic (as well as the suitability of its proposed methods of investigation).

All research projects, irrespective of format or topic, will be expected to conform to the following requirements:

• The project will draw upon primary or secondary data to address the research question (or questions).
• The research will be appropriately contextualised with critical reference made to relevant published sources.
• An appraisal of the theoretical underpinnings of the research will be undertaken.
• A reflexive commentary on research methods will be provided and the strengths and limitations of the design discussed.
• The ethical issues raised by the research will explored.
• The findings will be reported in an unambiguous and transparent manner.
• The discussion will include reference to the practical implications of the findings as well as indicating possible future lines of enquiry.

Outline Of Syllabus

• This is not a taught module, although a small number of seminars are organised to support students in their dissertation work.
• Students will have regular meetings on a one-to-one basis with supervisor.
• Students will also be provided with detailed guidance on dissertation writing.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

• Specialist knowledge and understanding of a specific educational topic.
• Critical grasp and detailed knowledge of the relevant literature in the selected field.
• Enhanced knowledge and understanding of the research process.
• Enhanced knowledge and understanding of methodological issues, including the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research design and different types of data.
• Enhanced knowledge and understanding of matters relating to informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, objectivity and transparency.
• Ability to develop a sustained argument that is supported by systematically collected evidence.
• In-depth understanding of the contribution of education research to the creation and application of professional knowledge.

Intended Skill Outcomes

• Capacity to devise and carry-out independent research.
• Ability to utilise key concepts, theories and approaches relevant to the selected field.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate primary and secondary research data.
• Ability to formulate a valid research question and select and apply the appropriate methods for its investigation.
• Communicate the research findings in a transparent and unambiguous manner outlining, where appropriate, their practical implications.
• Capacity to provide a reflexive commentary on the research process.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

N/A

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment will require the student to demonstrate their capacity to devise and carry-out an in-depth, independent enquiry in their selected educational field. It will reveal a critical grasp and detailed knowledge of the relevant specialist literature in the area, including salient concepts and theories. It will also provide evidence of the students’ capacity both to evaluate extant research and to reflect critically on the research process. In addition, it will require the student to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of methodological issues, including those relating to ethics. Throughout consideration will be given to the student’s ability to develop a sustained argument that is supported by systematically collected evidence and their understanding of the contribution of education research to the creation and application of professional knowledge. Finally, they will be assessed on their ability to communicate the research findings clearly and unambiguously.

General Notes

N/A