Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Education and Professional Development

Credit Rating:

60

Level (including FHEQ):

M (FHEQ Level 7)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2021-06-01

Module Leader:

Susan Sheehan

Version Number

2024.03

Learning Methods

Lecture
Seminar
Guided Independent Study
Tutorial and Project Supervision

Synopsis

You will develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of educational research. You will learn about traditions of educational research; positivism, interpretivism and action research and the strengths and challenges of carrying out research in these traditions. You will then identify a particular research topic of relevance to you and … For more content click the Read More button below.

Learning Strategy

The tutor-led methods will consist of a combination of lectures, directed group discussion and activities, audio visual presentations, and tutorials. The independent study will consist of background reading for the substantive content of the module and library-based research. The assessment will consist of empirical research, the analysis of primary and … For more content click the Read More button below.

Outline Syllabus

The module will introduce a range of ways that educational research can be carried out including positivism, interpretivist and action research traditions.  The nature of the knowledge claims and the epistemological and methodological basis for these claims will be examined. You will carry out a piece of small scale research … For more content click the Read More button below. Each dissertation will be original and of relevance to the professional concerns of the student. The dissertation will be judged against general and specific criteria; therefore, in order to achieve consistency and enable the students to be aware of the specific demands of the presentation.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will
1.
Critically understands contextual theoretical and empirical research literature relevant to the focus of the dissertation.
2.
Critically understands the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen methodology and data collection methods.
3.
Has in-depth knowledge of appropriate data analysis techniques.
4.
Identifies an issue or problem of professional relevance.
5.
Identifies and evaluates an appropriate research methodology.
6.
Formulates an appropriate research proposal through negotiation with a supervisor.
7.
Systematically plans, organises and implements the empirical research.
8.
Critically analyses and interprets data using appropriate analytical techniques.
9.
Critically evaluates how personal professional development emerging from the research contributes to the development of the profession.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written draft

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Dissertation/Thesis/Design Thesis (Written)
Assessment 2: Dissertation/Thesis/Design Thesis (Written)

Assessment Criteria

The Proposal will be assessed according to the following criteria The clarity of the rationaleContextualisation of the research in relation to wider reading such as policy initiatives, research in the topic, value to the practitioner or their organisationThe clarity and precision and scope of the research questionsCongruence between research questions … For more content click the Read More button below.   The dissertation will be assessed according to the following criteria: Currency and relevance of the research.Clear identification of an issue or problem to research.Evidence of concern for professional and individual values and needs, especially in the context of equal opportunities.Justification and congruence of the research methodology and methodsCritical engagement with relevant theory and evaluation, analysis and synthesis of ideas.Use of an appropriate structure, with clear line of argument.Employment of up-to-date, accurate references presented according to the University’s approved referencing convention.Use of the recommended presentational and writing style suitable for public inspection.  

My Reading

Reading List