27Nov
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA in Research Methods (Education) provides a broad-based practical grounding in research design methodologies with a specific focus on education. This course delivers high-quality research methods for learning in education for students interested in theoretical and empirical understanding of research in social science, as well as those who plan to pursue doctoral level studies in the field of education. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognises the course as providing suitable training for this purpose. The focus is on understanding research designs for conducting and evaluating rigorous research. Core modules examine the use of research tools for analysing and interpreting research data, this includes detailed discussion on formulating research questions, innovative research designs, and developing theoretical understanding of concepts, both in the field of education and across the wider social sciences. You can also select from a range of optional modules, some of which are designed to further develop your research knowledge while others are specific to education. The MA dissertation gives you the opportunity to bring together the different areas of learning into an area of research interest. The course is one of a suite of methods-based postgraduate degrees delivered at cross-faculty level with modules taught across the School of Education, the Department of Sociology, the School of Government and International Affairs, the Department of Anthropology, and the Department of Psychology. This provides wide-ranging opportunities for interdisciplinary study which can help you transition into careers in academia, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, charitable organisations, the business sector and more. Alternatively, it can serve as a stepping-stone to doctoral level studies.
Modules
Core modules: Research Design and Process provides training in research design and an understanding of the research process to prepare you for the MA dissertation/PhD research and careers in social research. You will develop an understanding of how to formulate and design a research project, the ethical, political and organisational issues involved in social research, and the processes and stages involved in planning a research project. Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Research introduces contemporary social scientific research from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will explore complex causation and how it is addressed methodologically across different disciplines. The module also introduces design strategies and different disciplinary practices, and considers ethical issues in the conduct of social research, including issues of power and equality. Qualitative Methods and Analysis equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to understand, conceptualise and critically appraise qualitative social sciences research, including different approaches to research and design, and analysis of qualitative data. This module helps prepare you to carry out your own qualitative research projects. Quantitative Methods and Analysis develops your knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis. You will learn how to use statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets and to make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena. Experiments in Education explores the case for and against experimenting in education. This module will teach you to recognise a range of experimental designs and identify where it can be used; identify and minimise threats to the validity of causal inferences; analyse and interpret data from experimental research; and judge the quality of experiments. Design and Methods in Education Research introduces key issues, terms and ideas in education research. It teaches a range of research skills including the evaluation of research techniques across different research contexts, and the ability to conduct a high-quality study. You will learn to recognise the different purposes of education research, understand key terms and vocabulary in education research, and develop a critical standpoint in relation to research in education. The Dissertation is an opportunity to research and report on a topic of interest, under the guidance of a supervisor. Drawing on the research skills and techniques developed in core and optional modules the dissertation enables you to demonstrate your capacity for independent thought, critical thinking and analysis. Examples of optional modules: Systematic Review; Secondary Data in Education Research; Ethnographies of Education; Measurement in Education Research; Interviews; Narrative Enquiries; Advanced Ethnographic Research; Multilevel Modelling; Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences; Simulating Data in R; Participatory Action Research.
Assessment method
The curriculum is delivered through a combination of taught lectures, seminars and tutorials using active learning approaches which include discussion, presentations, critiquing existing research, analysing and interpreting data, designing experiments, searching literature and synthesising the results of multiple studies. Your contact hours will be supplemented by a substantial element of independent learning, including further reading and research. To support you in this, you will have access to a variety of learning resources, including learning spaces in libraries and teaching rooms, computers, databases, journals and a wide range of textbooks. The final element of the course is the MA dissertation, a significant piece of independent research that brings together the theory, method and practice developed through the core and option modules. You will be assigned a dissertation supervisor who will provide support through a series of individual tutoring meetings, dissertation workshops and forums. The majority of the MA is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, research proposals, portfolio work, and individual and group presentations. The option module Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences is assessed by examination. The 12,000-word MA dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one-third of your credits.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
A good honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent). Significant relevant experience will also be considered.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £10400 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24750 | Year 1 |
| International | £24750 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £24750 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE