Educational Research

This innovative programme prepares you for doctoral studies in Education through taught modules and a dissertation. You learn the skills of research, from conception, through to design, methodology and data collection, to analysis, interpretation and dissemination. Active researchers teach you in an Institute at the forefront of educational research. You will be closely involved with the Institute’s research activity and have expert guidance while writing your dissertation.

The MRes will equip you equally well for work and doctoral research.

Programme Objectives

A new suite of MRes programmes has been developed concurrently by six subject areas for the 2010-2011 session: Applied Social Science, Education, Film, Media and Journalism, Management, Nursing, Midwifery and Health and Sports Studies. These programmes have a shared core of four modules in generic research skills, plus specialist disciplinary modules and a range of options.

They aim to combine high quality with flexibility and choice for students. Employability is another important focus, with the opportunity for a research placement offered to all MRes students

The MRes is designed to equip you for a career in educational research or as preparation for doctoral study (as a 1 + 3 route to PhD). You will develop a range of research skills, and will engage closely with current research projects in Education.

The programme will offer you:

• A structured taught programme in educational research.
• Excellent preparation for doctoral studies by research.
• First-hand experience of current research projects in the School of Education.
• The award of a Master’s degree.
• A programme recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The School of Education is committed to developing capable educational researchers as well as enabling you to improve your career prospects. We aim to:

• Recruit people with a good degree in social sciences.
• Enable you to undertake collaborative tasks and assignments.
• Enable you to successfully undertake a viable research project, relevant to existing interests in Education, and to fulfil your aims and aspirations for your future doctoral studies or work.

Entrance requirements

You will normally have a good degree from a Higher Education institution in the UK, or a degree of equivalent standard from an institution outside the UK. Exceptionally, a candidate with learning gained through relevant professional experience may be considered for admission. Candidates are expected to have good numeracy skills and a willingness to engage effectively with statistical analysis.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

For information on possible sources of funding, visit:
www.stir.ac.uk/postgrad/finance

Modes of study

Full-time:
MRes: one year
Diploma: two semesters
Certificate: one semester

Part-time:
MRes: five semesters
Diploma: four semesters
Certificate: three semesters

Programme start date

September

Structure and content

www.ioe.stir.ac.uk

Dissertation
Students will be required to conduct a small piece of educational research and write this up as a 15,000-word dissertation to be completed during May to September (May to December for part-time students).

Timetable

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

RAE rating

The School of Education at Stirling was rated number 1 in Scotland in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Career opportunities

The MRes is designed to enhance the career prospects of researchers in education, training and related areas of work, and professionals requiring the capacity to understand and commission research in these fields. It is essential preparation for doctoral research in education. It is recognised by ESRC as meeting its criteria for postgraduate research training that helps students improve their employability while acquiring core research skills.