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The MA (Res) is designed to integrate generic research training in the social sciences, which is conducted at Faculty level, with subject specific research training in education, conducted at the School level. The programme aims to help you achieve a critical conceptual understanding of practice, thought, evidence and theory relating to recent developments in education. You will then be in a position to apply this understanding to your own professional context.

You will take compulsory modules, which help you gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to engage with and evaluate research and theory in education. These modules will also enable you to prepare a research proposal, and carry it out. In addition, you will take optional modules related to your professional situation. You also complete a research study, which can answer questions about an issue of professional concern or interest.

Coursework
The MA (Res) consists of taught modules (120 credits) and a research element, including a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words (60 credits).

Compulsory Modules (Total 100 credits)

* Induction (no credit)
* Nature of Enquiry and Explanation in the Social Sciences (10 credits)
* Quantitative Methodology (20 credits)
* Qualitative Methodology (20 credits)
* Introduction to Information skills (10 credits)
* Investigating Learning in the Classroom (40 credits)
* Dissertation Workshop (no credit)

Optional Modules (Total 20 credits)

Optional modules may be taken from the following areas of study. Please note that not all modules may be available in any one year. The optional modules each carry 20 credits and so you may select one from the list:

* Policy and Practice of Assessment
* Developing Thinking Skills
* Curriculum Development and Learning
* Counselling Children and Young People
* Middle Management in Schools and Colleges
* Leadership and Strategic Management in Education
* Policy, Planning and School Effectiveness
* The Management of Change in Educational Organisations

Dissertation (60 credits)

All students will complete a research project leading to 20,000 word dissertation. The topic of which should fit within the range and interests of staff within the Centre for Learning and Teaching from which the supervisor will derive.

Assessment
A variety of forms of assessment are used in the programme, carefully chosen to reflect the form of training that is provided. In the generic research programmes, Nature of Enquiry and Explanation in the Social Sciences is assessed by a group oral presentation and a written report; Introduction to Information Skills is assessed by a detailed bibliography; Qualitative Methodology is assessed by a critical methodological review; Quantitative Methodology is assessed by either three data practical assessments or one data practical assessment plus a report.

For the discipline-specific research training module Investigating Learning in the Classroom, assessment is through the creation of a portfolio. This also has the virtue of formally assessing many of the key skills identified. The optional modules are typically assessed by written assignments, usually of 4,500 - 5,000 words. The Dissertation is assessed through a thesis of 20,000 words maximum.