Foundation Research Methods in Education (PGA) PGA

This award is made up of one module that will help you understand, design and carry out research in the field of Education. It is suitable for anyone who is interested in researching any aspect of Education – whether you are a practitioner who is looking to apply research to practice or someone who is interested in researching Education from a more theoretical perspective.<br/><br/><strong>Course overview</strong><br/>The Postgraduate Award in Research Methods in Education will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues involved in conceptualising and designing educational research.<br/><br/>It includes general and specific aspects of research training including key dimensions of qualitative and quantitative research, their applications, understanding of relational aspects between them, and appreciation of the politics and ethics of doing educational research. The module is designed to contextualise educational research, in terms of its theoretical, epistemological and methodological underpinnings, for a broad cross section of students, enabling you to understand different facets of educational research in an integrated and coherent fashion.<br/><br/>The aim of the assessment method is to lead to research design and dissertation planning. In addition, practical skills are built into the module, through workshops, seminars and tutorials, designed to develop library, software, web and applied IT search skills, and research skills relevant to your needs and interests.<br/><br/><strong>Skills from this course</strong><br/>• Understand the stages in designing and carrying out research in the field of Education<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Engage critically with the theoretical and methodological grounds on which education research is based<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of educational research from different perspectives and methodologies<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Gain familiarity with different research practices in relation to a range of empirical investigations within educational settings<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Be able to identify a topic to research and design and carry out a small scale research project in a field of interest to you<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Be able to communicate your research to different users<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>This information is applicable for 2026 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply.</strong>