Professional/Short course Applied Research Skills
30 credit level 7 module
Page last updated 30 September 2022
Introduction
This online 30 credit Applied Research Skills module will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to design, carry out and critically analyse research in science communication. The taught skills will be relevant to anyone wanting to conduct social research using both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as those seeking to the skills to evaluate public engagement initiatives.
On successful completion of this level 7 (Masters level) module, you will be able to:
- Critically apply the principles of effective research design and its relationship to research questions, as well as analysis;
- Demonstrate a critical understanding, of the purposes and limitations, of a range of quantitative and qualitative research approaches;
- Critically evaluate research within its appropriate methodological context;
- Recognise, illustrate and understand the need for ethical considerations in research;
- Identify and explain means to effectively share research via dissemination;
- Understand the contexts and approaches that can be taken for research to demonstrate impact.
Structure
Content
In this module, you will examine key topics including methodologies for research, how to design a research project, criticality in research, ethics, and how to share research effectively.
You will also study a number of key research methods such as secondary and desk-based research, experimental approaches, questionnaires and surveys, content and discourse analysis, observations, interviews and focus groups, as well as social media analytics and analysis.
Core to the module will be teaching on the use of quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, as well as other potential impact indicators.
Learning and Teaching
The module will be taught through 20 weeks of online content. This will include narrated presentations, self-directed learning activities (including designated reading), problem-based learning, discussion forums, wikis, asynchronous feedback opportunities and/or live interactive seminars.
You will also be expected to undertake independent learning to build specialist knowledge in aspects of research design of your particular interest/relevance.
Study time
The taught time will include four private study weeks when you will have an opportunity to carry out independent study and review previous weeks' contents and materials. A variety of electronic resources will be provided via Blackboard to present supplementary support for you during your periods of independent study.Due to the online nature of the module, you will be given very clear guidance on contact times for the module team, as well as dedicated online spaces (including discussion forums) in order to ensure you feel fully engaged as a cohort, despite working at a distance.
Assessment
The assessment comprises two elements - a 3,000-word critical appraisal and a 15-minute narrated presentation.
Features
Study facilities
You'll have access to a range of online facilities to support your learning, including the University Library.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
£1,170 per student.
Dates
The online course runs from 5 September 2022 to 30 January 2023.
How to apply
How to apply
You are required to apply online for this CPD online module.
Extra information
As this course is taught either fully online or blended (a combination of online and face-to-face), please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.
For further information
- Email: science.communication@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83919
You can also follow us on Twitter @SciCommsUWE.