01
Overview
Rigorous training in designing and conducting research: literature review, methodology, data collection, ethics and analysis. Prepares candidates for dissertation or doctoral study.
02
Aims of the Course
- Conduct a systematic literature review
- Design a methodologically sound study
- Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data
- Apply research ethics properly
03
Course Structure
01
Research Design
- Ontology, epistemology and paradigms
- Research questions and hypotheses
- Qualitative, quantitative and mixed designs
- Validity, reliability and trustworthiness
02
Literature Review
- Search strategy and databases
- Critical appraisal of sources
- Synthesis and thematic mapping
- Identifying the gap
03
Data Collection
- Sampling strategies
- Surveys and questionnaire design
- Interviews and focus groups
- Observation and documentary analysis
04
Analysis
- Descriptive and inferential statistics basics
- Qualitative coding and thematic analysis
- Software for analysis
- Presenting data honestly
05
Ethics and Integrity
- Participant consent and vulnerability
- Data protection and anonymity
- Research misconduct and plagiarism
- Ethics application process
06
Proposal and Publication
- Writing a research proposal
- Dissertation structure
- Academic writing and citation
- Peer review and publication
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Produce a systematic literature review
- 02Write a defensible research proposal
- 03Design a data collection instrument
- 04Analyse qualitative or quantitative data appropriately
- 05Submit a complete ethics application
05
Assessment
- Literature review submission
- Full research proposal
- Analysis exercise and viva
06
Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate-level study or equivalent professional experience
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Progression and Careers
- Researcher
- Dissertation-stage postgraduate student
- Research and evaluation officer