School of Education | MA Research Methods (Education)

MA Research Methods (Education) at Durham University

[email protected]

Gain a thorough grounding in research methods in the field of education when you study on this Economic & Social Research Council-recognised MA.

The MA in Research Methods (Education) provides a broad-based practical grounding in research design methodologies with a specific focus on education.

This course delivers high-quality research methods for learning in education for students interested in theoretical and empirical understanding of research in social science, as well as those who plan to pursue doctoral level studies in the field of education. The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) recognises the course as providing suitable training for this purpose.

The focus is on understanding research designs for conducting and evaluating rigorous research. Core modules examine the use of research tools for analysing and interpreting research data, this includes detailed discussion on formulating research questions, innovative research designs and developing theoretical understanding of concepts, both in the field of education and across the wider social sciences.

You can also select from a range of optional modules, some of which are designed to further develop your research knowledge while others are specific to education. The MA dissertation gives you the opportunity to bring together the different areas of learning into an area of research interest.

The course is one of a suite of methods-based postgraduate degrees delivered at cross-faculty level with modules taught across the School of Education, the Department of Sociology, the School of Government & International Affairs, the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Psychology. This provides wide-ranging opportunities for interdisciplinary study which can help you transition into careers in academia, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, charitable organisations, the business sector and more. Alternatively, it can serve as a stepping-stone to doctoral level studies.

The consistently high ranking of the School gives us a worldwide reputation for the quality of not only our teaching but the skills and knowledge of our postgraduate community. The delivery of the subject by the relevant experts on our academic team brings together world class research, innovative teaching and exceptional support.

Your time as a member of the School's student community places you in the strong position to pursue a successful career in a range of different sectors. Career opportunities in education are numerous and rewarding and include classroom teaching, educational leadership and management, administration and policy development.

Most of our PGCE graduates go directly into teaching. In keeping with career ambitions, MA graduates progress into a wide range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management as well as jobs in the commercial or public sector.

Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!