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Universities United Kingdom University of Winchester Courses MRes Social Research in Education

MRes Social Research in Education
at University of Winchester

Winchester, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 14,800
Country Rank#113
Duration12 Months
Score IELTS: 6

Program Overview

Develop your skills in research design
Complete intensive training in social research methods and approaches
Learn to present aspects of research in a range of engaging ways

Social Research in Education at Winchester offers a programme of focused study of research methods applicable to educational settings and educational enquiry. You are equipped and encouraged to develop an in-depth understanding of research methods, research design, and the cultural and ethical contexts in which educational research takes place. The course helps you to develop advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills, which support you in starting or enhancing a career in research or as a senior professional able to support others in research endeavours, for example in schools.

We focus on research design, which enables you to select appropriate approaches and methods to carry out investigations. It provides you with the opportunity to develop intellectual and practical skills, along with the ability to analyse and communicate complex ideas, and creatively plan and manage an independent postgraduate research project in education. It also equips you with the necessary skills to undertake further doctoral study.

You study core modules in Quantitative Methods in Social Research, Qualitative Methods in Social Research, and Theory, and Practice and Ethics in Social Research. You may choose to target a particular aspect of educational practice for data collection, although assignments analyse data collection methods, analysis approaches or ethical aspects of the research rather than the content of the practice.

There is also a final dissertation project, for which you choose an empirical or theoretical aspect of research methodology and explore it. This may also include an investigation of an aspect of education that interests you. You participate in workshops and seminars, and on-going online and face-to-face discussions with tutors and other students. These include debating issues such as ethical considerations in research, and help develop some of the underpinning research skills.

Course Content
Year 1 (Level 7)

ModulesCredits

Introducing Mixed Methods in Social Research
In this module you will be introduced to the selection and use of qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis in social research contexts. This will be done in both empirical and theoretical research contexts and will explore the merits of employing a mixed methods approach. You will consider the theoretical and practical contexts in which researchers choose particular methods. You will reflect in depth on the experience of data collection, in order to refine your skills and to extend your repertoire. You will develop your understanding of different approaches to handling data for analysis using qualitative methods (such as thematic analysis) and quantitative methods (including using data analysis software).

Exploring Mixed Methods in Social Research
In this module you will experience, evaluate and analyse a range of qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, which you will then be able to apply in social research contexts. You will consider the theoretical and practical contexts in which researchers choose particular qualitative methods in both theoretical and empirical research. You will consider the merits of employing a mixed methods approach in greater depth. You will reflect on the experience of data collection, in order to refine your skills and to extend your repertoire. By the end of this module, you will have extensive experience of using different qualitative and quantitative methods, including the use of software-aided data handling. As a key element of this module, you will explore in detail one (or more) method of collecting data, presentation of which will form the basis for the assessment task.

Theory & Ethics in Educational Practice
In this triple module, you will further extend your understanding of research practice by examining different theoretical positions and approaches to research. You will explore issues of ontology and epistemology and the ways in which these influence choices of research approach and methodology in greater depth. You will develop your understanding of the situated nature of research ethics, and different stances taken by researchers in relation to ethical issues, as well as exploring the ethical demands of research governance.

Independent Study (Dissertation)
The dissertation enables students present a detailed and critical reflective analysis of the use of one or more approaches to researching. In preparation for the award of MRes (Masters in Social Research in Education), students will focus on the research methodology to develop their understanding of research in social contexts. Students will be supported by a dissertation supervisor in the preparation of their work.
Entry Requirement
Normally a first or second-class Honours degree or professional experience in the area of study.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing or equivalent
Fees & Scholarships
International Students
- Full-time entry | £14,100
- Part-time entry | £7,050 p/a
- Total Cost | £14,100
Career Prospect
Graduates of the course are equipped to pursue careers in educational research, as research officers working for educational bodies such as local authorities, as contract researchers, or as project officers working on funded projects in higher education or research institutes.

Cost Of Studying At University of Winchester

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

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MRes Social Research in Education at University of Winchester