Multidisciplinary Research Methods Training

 Professor Linda A Lawton

Graduate School Leader & Director of PgCert Research Methods

Multidisciplinary Research Methods Training

Mandatory PgCert in Research Methods for all Research Students across the University (MRes/MPhil/PhD). Students range from:

Computing Art & Design Engineering Sciences

Nursing Health Sciences Business Law

Architecture Environment Social work

PgCert Research MethodsCOURSE AIMS To provide the knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to undertake a higher research degree within a chosen discipline.

To contribute to the scholarly development of individuals within a research field.

To facilitate the acquisition of the cognitive, psychomotor, interpersonal, analytical and evaluative skills and ethical underpinning necessary for competent and reflective practice and lifelong professional development.

PgCert Research Methods

Delivery:

Two modules each delivered over 1 week

1. The Principles of Research Methods

2. Planning, Organising, Evaluation & Dissemination of Research

PgCert Research Methods

Module 1:

Delivered to coincide with two Research Student intakes (October and February)

Delivered as a range of interactive exercises, group work, lectures and student centred activities lead by both University staff and external trainers.

PgCert Research Methods

Module 1:

AIMS OF THE MODULE

To further develop an awareness of appropriate research methodologies and methods in relation to your research proposal. To develop competence in the selection and application of research methods appropriate to your research proposal.

PgCert Research MethodsModule 1: LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

Discuss in depth, and critique, a range of research methods, including data or evidence gathering and analytical processes. Situate your own research project in terms of existing methodological approaches. Select, adapt and develop and apply appropriate research methods. Defend your research with respect to ethical considerations. Instigate and maintain a Personal Development Plan.

 

PgCert Research MethodsModule 1: MODULE DELIVERY CONTENT •Introduction to Key Support Departments such as the Research Degrees Office and the Library •Developing your Research Study •Research Governance and Ethics •Learning Style and Learning Style Research •Project Management and Research Design •Forming Researchable Questions •Methodology, Methods and Proposal Development •Creative Thinking •Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods •Presentation Skills •Critical Reading, Reviewing, Writing and Turnitin •Data Collection •Overview of the PhD Experience

PgCert Research MethodsModule 1: Assessment

Oral Presentation (10 min) on the planned research given on the last day of the module delivery - Competency test requiring Pass to progress

Written Research Proposal (between 2000-5000 words) 100% of Final Grade Awarded. Worked assessed by Principle Supervisor and an Assessor, marked blind then consensus reached regarding final grade.  

PgCert Research MethodsModule 2:

Delivered to precede Transfer Process (from MSc stage to PhD stage (September or January)

As with Module 1 a range of interactive exercises, group work, lectures and student centred activities lead by both University staff and external trainers are used but very much focussed on the students own process.

PgCert Research Methods

Module 2:

AIM OF THE MODULE

To demonstrate a clear and critical understanding of the complexities involved in developing, managing, evaluating and disseminating research at Masters and Doctoral level.

PgCert Research MethodsModule 2: LEARNING OUTCOMES Produce a competent, technical report in the context of their own research, which evidences good planning, clear use of language, style, structure and appropriate supporting media.

Project manage one’s own research.

Appraise, discuss and justify analytical and evaluative concepts in terms of research aims, objectives/hypotheses, methodology, literature review, data handling and interpretation of research outcomes.

Apply evaluative techniques to inform and structure research and to prepare for transfer from Masters level to Doctoral level.

Defend the research stance in a variety of contexts and situations, and to a range of audiences.

 

PgCert Research MethodsModule 2: Module Content

•Evaluation of Research •Evaluating the Literature Review •The Evaluation of Research Methods •The Evaluation of Datasets •Analysing Qualitative Data •Communicating Research •Project Management •Transfer Process and Doctoral Assessment •E-Thesis •PhD Viva Experiences

 

PgCert Research MethodsModule 2: Assessment

Group Oral Presentation (10 min) on critic of research pubications given on the last day of the module delivery - Competency test requiring Pass to progress

Written Evaluative Report of the students research to-date and future plans (between 2000-5000 words) 100% of Final Grade Awarded. Worked assessed by Principle Supervisor and an Assessor, marked blind then consensus reached regarding final grade.