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MRes - Master of Research
College Lane - Campus
Full Time
Jan 2027
2 Year
About the course The Master of Research in Education is a research-led postgraduate degree in education with taught elements, uniquely designed to give you the expertise to investigate the key debates, policies, and practices shaping education today. It’s grounded in research methodology, preparing you to analyse, design, and carry out independent research across diverse educational settings. You will explore how theories of learning, policy frameworks, and institutional practices influence teaching, leadership, and student outcomes across schools, colleges, and universities. This pathway enables you to develop advanced research skills in education, alongside transferable abilities that are highly valued by employers, including critical analysis, data interpretation, ethical research practice, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to a range of audiences. You will deepen your understanding of educational theory and practice in order to contribute evidence-based improvements to teaching, learning, and policy. You can choose this Master of Research in Education or the following pathways: Master of Research in Education - Assessment and Quality Assurance Master of Research in Education - Institutional Development Master of Research in Education - Learning Sciences and Technology Master of Research in Education - Special Educational Needs and Inclusion
This module equips students with a critical understanding of foundational and contemporary educational theories, global policy trends, and innovative practices. Through collaborative learning and applied research, students develop analytical and methodological skills to independently research and report on educational issues. The module fosters professional collaboration, enhances digital literacy, and promotes effective use of academic resources. Learners will engage with diverse perspectives, preparing them to influence educational practice and policy in dynamic, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed ways.
This module empowers students to become reflective education researchers through the critical interpretation of literature and the development of conceptual frameworks. Learners will explore their epistemological stance while independently sourcing, evaluating, and synthesising scholarly literature. The module builds independent research skills essential for constructing rigorous, evidence-based arguments and contributes to a deeper understanding of educational knowledge and practice. Students will emerge with the confidence to navigate complex academic landscapes and shape meaningful research contributions.
This module facilitates students in learning to design and evaluate robust, context-sensitive research projects tailored to their educational focus. With supervisor guidance, students will independently reflect on, and evidence, the researcher's role in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, while fostering critical evaluation of methodologies and data sources. Students will explore the influence of conceptual frameworks on research design and develop the skills to draw meaningful, evidence-based conclusions. This module equips learners with the tools to design and execute rigorous, reflective, and impactful educational research.
Building on previous research packages, this module enables students to independently conduct education research within their chosen context. Learners will develop a reflexive understanding of their identity as an independent and professional education researchers who critically engage with ethical considerations and methodological choices. The module guides students in independently addressing research questions developed in previous modules. By producing a research article, students consolidate their learning and make original contributions to educational knowledge, demonstrating rigour, reflexivity, and relevance in their chosen field.
4.3The University of Hertfordshire offers a huge variety of postgraduate courses across 19 subject areas, from creative art...
