This course is designed to enable students to develop and conduct an independent educational research project that is relevant to their own area of interest. It focuses on training in a variety of research approaches, methods and data analysis techniques.

4 hours per week:

2x1- hour lecture

1x2- hour seminar

To accommodate 6 week MA Primary Education Placement, course runs in Week 1-6 of the Semester, and for 2 weeks after Easter break.

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Short Answer Questions (25%) - this assessment is divided into 6 weekly thematic multiple choice assessments, covering the core content of the course, each worth 4.16% of the final grade. Students will be tested on their knowledge of core concepts in research design and methodology. (ILOs 1 & 2)

Research Proposal (75%) - Students should complete a 2,500 word proposal, outlining a potential dissertation topic, methodology and research design. Students will be provided with a template to help them operationalise their chosen research question (comprising introduction, research objectives & questions, literature review, research design and timeline and ethical considerations) (ILOs 1, 2 and 3)

The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a foundational level of research literacy and to help them develop a set of skills needed to conduct independent educational research.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the purposes of educational research, including how research can be used to inform professional practice

■ Critically evaluate different types and methods of educational research

■ Apply skills in designing, planning and conducting research relevant to educational contexts