Research Methods – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The programme consists of four taught modules plus a Research Dissertation. Assessment methods include portfolios, qualitative and quantitative research project reports and poster presentations. There are opportunities to choose topics for project work in any of the subject areas mentioned above.

The Research Dissertation is an in-depth empirical study on a topic negotiated with a supervisor (students may select a supervisor from across the whole Faculty teaching team and beyond). Dissertation submissions will be in the form of a paper to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, and students will be encouraged to submit work for publication.

Modules

• Approaching Research( 30 credits): This module prepares students for conducting postgraduate research by orienting them to both theoretical and practical considerations associated with the research process.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis 1 (30 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the necessary practical skills required for their application.
• Team Research Project (30 credits): Students will work together as a team towards presenting as a poster as well as preparing individual written reports for assessment based on a research protocol while being supported by tutors.
• Research Methods and Data Analysis 2 (30 credits): This module introduces students to more advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, and builds upon Research Methods and Data Analysis 1.
• Research Dissertation (60 credits): The dissertation module allows students to develop their own research project, including planning, designing, execution and presentation of research findings at postgraduate level with the advice and support of an academic tutor.

Accreditation

Liverpool Hope University is a recognised body with degree awarding powers as sworn in by the UK Government.
Quality of UK universities is measured through the official Government agencies, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) which consistently judged Liverpool Hope University to be of highest quality.
Liverpool Hope University's Business School, that was ranked top quality, having secured a maximum excellent rating (24 out of 24) in the UK Governments QAA inspection.

In the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which is the official evaluation of the quality of research undertaken within UK higher education institutions, subject areas of Theology & Religious Studies, and Social Work & Social Policy, included work which ranked as of 4-star ‘world leading’. The subject areas of Computer Science and Informatics, Psychology, Education, English, and Music included work which ranked as 3-star ‘internationally recognised’, as was Politics and International Studies (including submissions from Business) and Drama ranked as 2*. For information on Liverpool Hope University’s RAE submission, go to www.rae.ac.uk

Funding details

Liverpool Hope University's fees for international students are amongst the most competitive within the UK university sector.

For 2011/12 intake, international tuition fee for Research Methods is £7,120.

With an Overseas Scholarship this is reduced to £6,120.

With an Overseas Scholarship and Early Payment Discount this is reduced to £5,408.