Educational Research (Taught)

Educational research is the foundation on which education systems are built. Curriculum development, teaching methods, learning strategies and new policies are all shaped by the work of educational researchers.
Our MRes Educational Research gives you the skills to become a globally-aware expert researcher. You will learn to inform the future of education from academic staff who have helped to shape education policy nationally. Stirling is one of the top 20 universities in the UK for impact in Education research (REF 2021).
In-depth course content
Our MRes degree gives you the in-depth knowledge you will need to progress to PhD study in education or pursue a career with a focus on research. During your studies you will:

• explore different traditions that inform educational research and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses;

• learn how to design research projects and write proposals;

• gain an awareness of the role of ethics in the research process;

• understand the role of statistics and digital technology in research;

• build critical inquiry and research skills leading to innovation and impact in your chosen area of interest;

• gain skills enabling you to collect, analyse and report quantitative and qualitative evidence;

• independently conduct your own quantitative and/or qualitative research project;

• become effective in leadership and collaboration;

• develop skills in responsible engagement and global citizenship.

Throughout the course the principles of sustainable practice and digital and data literacy are fully integrated into your learning.
Our educational research Masters degree is designed to be flexible. It can be taken as a full-time or part-time course to suit your needs.
Recognised quality
Our education research degree is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting its criteria for postgraduate research education and training. Therefore, graduates of ESRC-approved courses are seen as demonstrating a high-level of methodological competence that can improve career prospects and build a CV for work in many areas.
ESRC recognition means applicants are likely eligible to apply for competitive funding from the Scottish Graduate School in the Social Sciences (SGSSS) for both the MRes and a PhD at Stirling. On graduation, students completing the MRes are also potentially eligible to apply for SGSSS funding for a funded PhD. Participation in the MRes connects students to a wider network of researchers, events and resources across Scotland and the UK.
Become an expert researcher with our flexible MRes Educational Research.

You'll be assessed in each course module through assignments approximately 3,000 words in length but many modules have more than one assignment and take creative approaches to the use of digital, creative, and collaborative assignment production for assessment. The final assignment is the dissertation (EDRP009) of 15,000 words which is completed under expert supervision. Your supervisor may also be well-placed to help you apply for a PhD upon graduating.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Economic and Social Research Council