Program Overview

Award in Research Methods

Overview

This module allows learners to gain the undergraduate skills and knowledge required to carry out designing and development of a research project. Learners shall gain necessary knowledge related to different research methods and methodologies. Learners shall also learn about research paradigms and ethical considerations that must be undertaken when carrying out research.

Awarding Body & Accreditation

This qualification is awarded by eie Institute of Education and is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). MFHEA deems this Award to be at MQF Level 5 (12 ECTS) of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning.

Learning Outcomes

Competences

At the end of the course, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

• Comply with various ethical considerations and issues that must be undertaken when carrying out research
• Carry out research making use of various quantitative and qualitative research techniques independently
• Be responsible for the identification of a unique research question or problem
• Carry out effective literature review making use of correct processes and sourcing information from trusted resources

Knowledge

At the end of the course, the learner will have been exposed to the following:

• Define and provide practical and relevant examples of research, research design, research methods, and research methodologies
• Critically define the process of research and discuss each step-in detail
• Describe the ethical considerations that must be undertaken when carrying out research and comply with such considerations
• List and critically discuss the main research techniques found in research including qualitative and quantitative research
• Identify and critically discuss the ethical issues and considerations which must be taken into accounts when carrying out research
• Differentiate and critically describe ‘purpose statement’, ‘research objective’, ‘hypothesis’ and ‘research question’
• Critically compare and contrast between independent, mediating, and dependent variables
• List the steps and discuss the process of collecting quantitative data
• List the steps and discuss the process of collecting qualitative data
• Critically discuss the terms ‘sample’, ‘population’, and ‘sample population’

Skills

At the end of the course, the learner will have acquired the following skills:

• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and the ability to carry out both techniques in one’s research
• Analyze sourced information effectively and efficiently
• Assess the strength and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research techniques accordingly
• Show ability to effectively source and critically analyze literature using various sources such as books, journals, and other sources

Course Delivery

This course shall be taught with a student-centered approach whereby learners are encouraged to take active participation in their own learning. Learners shall be presented with PowerPoint presentations, case-study examples, and other interactive learning materials. Students will be asked to discuss and exchange communication amongst each other (classroom or online, as per learning mode chosen).

Assessment

This course shall be assessed with an individual presentation (25%) and the submission of a research proposal (75%) whereby learners are expected to present an original piece of work including properly referenced literature and practical examples. The assignment has a word count limit of 2,000 words. This assessment shall serve as the planning and starting point of the research project which will be carried out at the end of this programme. Moreover, learners are expected to obtain a minimum of 50% of the total mark in order to successfully pass from the module.

Fees and Duration

• Total lecture hours: 60
• Fees: €1,500.00 (EU & Non-EU Nationals)
• Get Qualified Scheme: Upon Successful completion of this course, you will be able to recover (if eligible) up to 70% (through tax credits) of expenses on both the registration and tuition fees paid when starting the course.