Short course

Research Methods (Distance Learning)

This course will teach you the necessary skills to successfully analyse and evaluate published research as well as conduct original research. You will cover various topics which include finding relevant literature and research design, and you will be able to present your research findings.

Start date
October 2024 - January 2025 or January 2025 - April 2025
Duration
10 weeks
Mode
Online
Cost
Home - £1170 International - TBC
Level
Postgraduate Microcredential
Credit
20 credits

Overview

This short course covers the techniques needed to critically appraise published research, and carry out a piece of original research. Topics include the scientific method applied to human services, literature search techniques, research design, sampling, the organisation of a research project, research ethics, measurement techniques, the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, the presentation of results, and dissemination.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this short course you should be able to:

  • Complete a literature search on a defined topic.
  • Prepare a research proposal with an appropriate research design, measurement, sample, and consideration of ethical issues sufficient to be approved by an ethical committee.
  • Critically appraise a recent published research paper.
  • Analyse a set of qualitative data.
  • Analyse a set of quantitative data.

Credits

20 credits

This course can be taken as a stand-alone course if required. To apply, please contact the Programme Administrator: telephone: +44 (0)121 414 3803, email researchmethods@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

Attendance required

Distance learning supplemented by individual tutorials.

Dates

The module is run twice every year.

Session 1 - October 2024 - January 2025
Session 2 - January 2025 - April 2025

Please contact researchmethods@contacts.bham.ac.uk for exact dates.

Assessment

One 3000-word essay

Academics involved in the delivery of this module

Dr Qulsom Fazil - Lecturer in Disability Studies and Behavioural Science, Module Co-ordinator for the Research Methods Module

Why choose a Postgraduate Microcredential short course?

  • Usually taken from exisiting modules within a Masters, they can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level
  • Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV
  • Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals
  • Alumni status with the University of Birmingham
  • Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programmes.

Apply for the Microcredential