Program Overview

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MA by Research in Educational Research and Development

The MA by Research programme is aimed at those who wish to gain a postgraduate qualification by conducting supervised independent primary research in education and writing this up into a thesis. It is excellent preparation for a PhD, providing you with time to develop your research skills and explore a research topic you may want to pursue further.

Programme Overview

This MA may suit educators who wish to conduct research into an aspect of their practice and become recognised as research leaders within their schools and colleges. The programme is designed to develop the critical-thinking and research skills required for study at postgraduate level. Students have the opportunity to decide on the focus of their research and receive one-to-one support from an experienced supervisor.

Key Features

• Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
• Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
• Supervision and support from an advisory panel of academic staff
• Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
• Enrol in January or October each year

How You Study

Research students work with their supervisors to refine the focus of their research. Due to the nature of postgraduate research, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will benefit from individual supervision meetings, and the frequency of these vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.

Research Areas

The School of Education is an active community of researchers and has a wide range of expertise. The current research areas are listed below, but we also welcome enquiries about other subject areas related to education.

• Teacher Education and Professional Development
• Student Experience and Wellbeing
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Technology in Education
• International and Global Education
• Educational Theories and Philosophies
• Sociocultural Aspects of Education
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practices
• Higher Education and Academic Culture

How You Are Assessed

MA by Research students produce a thesis of 25,000 words and may request an oral examination if they wish.

Research Proposals

You will need to produce a research proposal as part of your application for this programme. This is a project outline identifying what you want to study, why you want to investigate this area, and how you intend to conduct the research.

Length of Proposal

Your proposal should be around 1,500 to 2,000 words (and no more than 2,500 words).

Structuring Your Research Proposal

There isn't a prescribed format for the structure of a research proposal but the following section headings are generally considered to be important:

Working Title

A clear and succinct description of your research should be encapsulated in the title.

Introduction

The introduction should set the context, explaining what you will research, why it is of value, and how you propose to conduct your research.

Overview of Your Research

You should provide a short overview of your research and where it fits in existing academic discourses, debates, or literature.

Literature Review

You won't have had chance to review all the relevant literature at this stage, but you should be able to incorporate the major debates and issues, demonstrating that you understand your chosen field.

Methodology

Your methodology section should detail how you will conduct your research and consider the following:

• Methods of data collection and analysis
• How you will access and recruit participants (if relevant)
• Number of participants to be included (if relevant)
• Ethical implications of your work
• Any potential problems and challenges with your proposed methods and how these might be overcome.

Timescales

You should provide a clear plan of how you will carry out the research from start to finish, breaking it down into the main components of the research project and identifying what you expect to do in each year of your studies.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum of an upper Second Class honours degree, or alternatively a Second Class honours degree and a Master's degree in a relevant subject.
• In addition to the stated qualifications required, applicants are required to submit a research proposal with their application.
• Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element.

Programme Fees

Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project.

Funding Your Research

Find out more about the options available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities.

Career Development

A research programme provides the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills that can support your career progression. A Master's by Research degree is also the most direct pathway to a PhD. Research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.