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Entry Criteria

General Entry Criteria:

• A related Bachelor’s DegreeOR

• A related Graduate Diploma at Level 8

Alternative Entry Criteria

• 25 years old, completion of a related Level 5 qualification, and 7 years of relevant experience (of which 3.5 years of experience is obtained after completion of a Level 5 qualification), and completion of an MQA approved Pre-Master’s Programme. OR

• 25 years old, completion of a related Level 6 qualification, and 6 years of relevant experience (of which 3 years of experience is obtained after completion of a Level 6 qualification), and completion of an MQA approved Pre-Master’s Programme.

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be able to: 

• Read educational and social research with an understanding of a range of research methodologies;

• Define an issue in their discipline as an investigable research project;

• Design a research project demonstrating understanding of the range of research methodologies available, and their relevance to the project;

• Undertake a significant research project in their respective discipline;

• Write up the results of the research project to demonstrate the capacity to adhere to the conventions of research;

• Critically review impact of social research on professional policies and practices;

• Confidently engage in academic and professional presentation and communication with others about the new ideas from the research findings;

• Evaluate the relevance of research in advancing the discipline/field;

• Take independent and self-critical responsibility for own work, guiding the learning of others and managing their own requirements for continuing professional development;

• Demonstrate understanding of a range of ontological and epistemological issues in relation to social research; and

• Demonstrate understanding of ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data in social research.

Core Modules

Semester 1

1. Introduction to Research Methods

2. Reading and Writing for Research

3. Introduction to Research Theory

Eligible for Award Postgraduate Certificate in Research Studies

Semester 2

Advance Research Methods

Route 1

Thesis (Minor)

Exit Award Postgraduate Diploma in Research Studies

Semester 3, 4 (year-long module)

Route 2

Thesis (Major)

Master of Research Studies

Additional Information

• Students exiting with Masters award will start Thesis (Major) module in semester 2 and continue throughout semesters 3 and 4

• Route 1: Thesis (Minor) is offered only for those exiting the programme with Postgraduate Diploma in Research Studies

• Students who complete the full Masters programme should take route 2