This module enables students to design and carry out educational research in an area related to their own professional interest. Following ethical approval, students will select a methodological approach which is appropriate for the aims and objectives of their study. The research will be informed by a review of literature related to the research topic. Findings will be presented in a logical and transparent manner, followed by a critically reflective analysis of the data gathered. The study will conclude with a consideration of the relevance of the findings for professional practice, and recommendations for future practice.

If students are unable to gain ethical approval, then students will be required to complete a desk-based study.

1. A review of progress which considers research design and underpinning ethical principles in the form of a 15 minute presentation to peers, followed by questions (5 mins) . LO6

2. A 12000 word written research report which:
a) Presents research data generated through the project in a transparent manner and analyses this data to address the research aim and objectives.
b) Demonstrates that the findings and analysis are appropriately contextualised with critical reference made to published sources.
c) Presents a critical and reflective commentary on the research methods used.
d) Translates the outcomes of the research into a series of professional recommendations

LO1,2,3,4,5

Students will independently plan, conduct, and write up a research project. The research activity will involve; retrieval of information, location of evidence, analysis, interpretation and synthesis of materials, critical thought, and evaluation, questioning of assumptions and where appropriate, to relate theory and practice. Guidance and formative feedback on written work will be provided throughout this module by an academic supervisor, allocated to the student according to the topic and theme of the research project.

The review of progress will take place at the beginning of the final semester. This is an opportunity for students to articulate the progress they have made to date with their research, and to receive feedback from peers and tutors to support their progression to completion of the research project.

1.Articulate a rationale for a research study which aims to advance knowledge and understanding of an educational issue.

Knowledge & Understanding
Communication
Learning

2.Employ appropriate decision making in order to design a methodologically robust, ethical and manageable research study.

Problem Solving
Enquiry
Application

3.Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key issues and debates relevant to the research study.

Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis
Learning

4.Systematically analyse data to bring new insight relevant to the educational field of study.

Learning
Analysis
Application

5.Critically reflect on the implications of research findings for professional practice.

Analysis
Reflection
Application

6. Effectively communicate ideas and project outcomes to academic and practitioner audience.

Communication
Reflection

MS Teams and Blackboard VLE will be used throughout the programme for repository of resources and interactive learning.

University Library for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals.

Bell,¿J.,¿Waters,¿S.¿(2018).¿Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers.¿United Kingdom:¿McGraw-Hill Education.

Cohen, L. Manion, L. and Morrison, K. Research Methods in Education (2017) (8th Edition). Routledge: Abingdon

Gillman, B. (2007) Developing a Questionnaire (second edition). Continuum International Publishing Group, New York

Kara, H. (2017) Research and Evaluation for Busy Students and Practitioners; A time-saving guide (second edition). Policy Press: Bristol

Kara, H. Lemon, N; Mannay, D.; & McPherson, M. (2021) Creative Research Methods in Education. Policy Press: Bristol

Newby, P (2014) Research Methods for Education (second edition). Routledge: Abingdon

Punch, K. and Oancea A.L. (2014) Introduction to Research Methods in Education. Sage: London

Robinson, S.B & Leonard, K.L. (2019) Designing Quality Survey Questions. Sage: London

Savin-Baden, M. and Howell major, C. (2013) Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to theory and practice. Routledge: Abingdon

Thomas, G. (2021) How to do your case study (3rd edition). Sage: London

Tight, M. (2019) Documentary Research in the Social Sciences. Sage, London

1. A review of progress which considers research design and underpinning ethical principles in the form of a 15 minute presentation to peers, followed by questions (5 mins) . LO6

2. A 13500 word written research report which:
a) Presents research data generated through the project in a transparent manner and analyses this data to address the research aim and objectives.
b) Demonstrates that the findings and analysis are appropriately contextualised with critical reference made to published sources.
c) Presents a critical and reflective commentary on the research methods used.
d) Translates the outcomes of the research into a series of professional recommendations

LO1,2,3,4,5

This module enables students to design and carry out educational research in an area related to their own professional interest. Following ethical approval, students will select a methodological approach which is appropriate for the aims and objectives of their study. The research will be informed by a review of literature related to the research topic. Findings will be presented in a logical and transparent manner, followed by a critically reflective analysis of the data gathered. The study will conclude with a consideration of the relevance of the findings for professional practice, and recommendations for future practice.