-This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of postgraduate level research methods.

-It includes a range of topics that are (a) valid across a range of disciplines; and (b) specifically pertinent to Masters level study.

-The content of this module introduces you to key elements involved in the research process that are intended to provide you with a good basis to develop from in the rest of your degree programme. These elements include:

understanding what research is and why it is important
getting to grips with, and undertaking, a literature review (secondary research) and a small-scale research project (primary research)
enhancing your skills in critical thinking
developing your understanding of research methodologies and ethical issues.

-The module will also lead you to a practical understanding of the expectations of a postgraduate research student as you will have the opportunity to undertake some primary research in the form of a small-scale project within your subject area.

The assignment requires you to design and implement a small-scale research project, related to your particular area of study; this should consist of secondary and primary research and demonstrate you understand key approaches to research methodologies.

You are expected to:

Produce a literature review within your chosen topic (secondary research)
Provide definitions of Quantitative & Qualitative methodologies
Undertake a small-scale, primary research project and conduct comparative analysis between your primary and secondary research (i.e. how does what you have found out in your primary research compare or contract with the findings of your literature review)
Reflect on your experience to demonstrate the key skills you have developed as a consequence of undertaking primary and secondary research.

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within tutorial sessions and the use of a draft system, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support your development and progression.

Work-shop lectures, one-to-one tutorials and the use of Blackboard for online learning.

Independent, self-directed study is also required.

1. Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of a range of theoretical topics in advanced research methods.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Demonstrate the ability to recognise when methodological problems arise in research and proactively and independently purse further skills in these areas.

Reflection
Research Skills

3. Demonstrate advanced skills in project design, planning and management relevant to a particular subject area, and in the engagement with others through primary research.

Application & Problem-solving
Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

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Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
Classroom sessions
Microsoft Forms

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

BELL, J. & WATERS, S. (2018) Doing Your Research Project. 7th Edition. (McGraw-Hill).

Bussell, H. (2000), "Qualitative Methods and Analysis in Organizational Research: A Practical Guide", The Learning Organization, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 169-170.

COLINS, H. (2010) Creative research: the theory and practice of research for the creative industries (AVA Academia).

COMTE, A. (2003). A general view of positivism. (Chicago UP)

DENSCOMBE, M. (2014) The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects. 5th edition. (OUP).

GAILLET, LL. & EBLE, MF. (2016) Primary research and writing: people, places, and spaces (Routledge)

HART, C. 1999. Doing a Literature Review. (SAGE)

MARTIN, W. & BRIDGMON, K. (2012) Quantitative and statistical research methods: from hypothesis to results (Jossey-Bass).

MORRIS, M. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. The Modern Language Journal, 04/2006, Volume:90. (Blackwell Publishing) )

SHABAN, R. (2009) Yin, R.K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Fourth Edition, Applied Social Research Methods Volume 5, (Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal).

SILVER, C. and LEWINS, A. 2014. Using software in qualitative research. 2nd edition. (Sage).

TRACY, S.J. (2012) Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact. (Wiley-Blackwell).

Boot-camp for fledging researchers!

This module will enhance your approach to your studies by showing you the requirements of postgraduate level research. You will learn how to approach secondary and primary research, and you will be given the opportunity to undertake a research project linked to your area of practice.