Accredited Level 3 Diploma in Postgraduate Research Techniques

Course

In Oxford

£ 850 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    Oxford

  • Class hours

    1200h

  • Duration

    1 Year

  • Start date

    Different dates available

The course will teach the student the many and varied skills that underpin good research, from the preparation of the research plan; primary and secondary sources; qualitative or quantitative methodology; how to interpret literature and bring your findings into a meaningful analysis and draw appropriate conclusions. In doing so, the course draws on the theoretical models currently used in academic research and beyond. The Learning programme for the student, offers choice and scope in regards to the greater understanding of good research techniques. The core aims of the diploma are to:

Facilities

Location

Start date

Oxford (Oxfordshire)
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Campus 231, 266 Banbury Road, OX2 7DL

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

All students must per 16 years of age and above. These require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order to for students to manage study and the assumed knowledge within course content.

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This centre's achievements

2017

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Subjects

  • Basic
  • Internet
  • Basic IT
  • English
  • Quality
  • Project
  • Grammar
  • Accredited
  • Quality Training
  • Skills and Training

Teachers and trainers (1)

Teaching Staff

Teaching Staff

Tutor

Course programme

) to build on knowledge, understanding and skills gained at that level. Or simply starting from a point of wanting to enhance professional skills.
  • The course encourages students to develop the critical, analytical and evaluative skills which will enable them to either go on to/remain in, Higher Education to further their education through undertaking formal research at postgraduate levels.

This course consists of Ten Units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, in its own right; with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE/ABC) that hallmarks this professional qualification.


Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1

Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the connections between different elements of their course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures.


AO: 2

Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. In addition, for synoptic assessment, students should relate elements of their course of study to their broader context and to aspects of spiritual human experience.


Quality of Written Communication (QWC)

In addition, OLC require students to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and to complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)

To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.


Key Features

OLC offer the opportunity to learn research skills as a professional level 3 validated diploma course. The student will learn and/or review the many techniques of good research; be able to apply and use that gained knowledge in either: education or a research project.


This course has several features:
  • To develop a comprehensive understanding of good research skills.
  • To treat the subject as a professional discipline, providing the academic knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate for specialist research study.
  • To teach students an enquiring, reflective and critical approach to the study of presenting good research papers at an academic or associate arena.
  • To encourage students to reflect on their own professional development and practice.

COURSE CONTENT

The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:

Unit 1: Introduction to Postgraduate Research

In this unit, students will consider the concepts of what research at a postgraduate level involves: research applications; proposals; funding research; good research techniques; qualitative or quantitative; methods and presentation.


Unit 2: Conducting Quantitative Research

The unit focuses on one of the core aspects of research. Conducting strong analysis requires ‘raw data’ which is authentic; reliable and valid. Most research projects in the social sciences are quantitative; which involves gathering statistical data; which is generated by either case analysis or through a form of experimentation. Students will learn the various aspects of this method and its potential application.


Unit 3: Conducting Qualitative Research

In this unit students’ will consider the use of qualitative research. Qualitative research is used widely in social research and humanities project. This usually involves case studies; interviewing; and other face to face data gathering techniques.


Unit 4: Conducting Empirical Research

This unit focuses the student on different aspects of research methodology; this method is usually a mix of observation or experimentation. This is largely dependent on what the research project is trying to prove – its hypothesis.


Unit 5: Conducting Case Study Research

Case studies are studies of people, communities/settings etc. The whole concept as part of a quantitative method is to ‘prove’ their hypothesis. Students will learn how to develop techniques in using case studies as part of, a research project.


Unit 6: Basic and Applied Research

Students will over the course of their learning how to ask questions. This is a key part of any research – basic research follows the course of documents (media; case studies; reports etc) to find answers, raise questions and even form opinions which then have to be proven. Applied research is systematic, using science/social science at a practical level. Both these methods correlate to bring useful hypothesis to be analysed.


Unit 7: Evaluative Research

In this unit, the student will learn how to ensure that the research being undertaken has impact or meaning. In doing so, it should be evaluative, informative and ground breaking. The study being useful to others in future research.


Unit 8: Glossary of Research Methods and Techniques

Whatever the size or shape of a research project it will form part of a wider compendium of research. This compendium of knowledge has been completed through using different research techniques and methods. Therefore, the student will learn how to ensure that the research used is referenced carefully and that the research tracks are easy to follow.


Unit 9: Conducting Research on the Internet

This unit explores how to make good use of electronic information from the Internet. The student will learn that it is important to ‘trust’ only electronic internet sources that can be attributed to a good source; proves fact and can be cited/referenced.


Unit 10: Research in Commerce and Industry

In this final unit we explore this ever growing field of systemic research. Whatever the business setting, research will be a key element in its success. We explore case studies where such research has informed product development, policy and behaviour.


ASSESSMENT

The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.


Assignments

The course has TWO Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA); which are graded: Pass or Fail. 1 at the end of units 5 & 10


Study Hours (Per Unit)

Approximately: One Hundred and Twenty (120) hours of personal study time, which is supported by the ODL

Accredited Level 3 Diploma in Postgraduate Research Techniques

£ 850 + VAT