Research Methods
6 Credits (ECTS)
Research Methods
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€543 refund on this module
Module Description
This module is designed for learners who want and need to gain understanding of research approaches and skills and gain an ability to deploy research methods in their studies or in professional lives.
In particular, this module will aid those who have to conduct research as part of their postgraduate studies and it is for those who feel they would like additional support for self-improvement.
This module is a comprehensive introduction to research methods and will cover broad topics: the fundamentals of doing research, research methods, research design, data collection, and data analysis.
In discussing each topic, the ethical implications of research will be covered. Research is a craft, and like any other craft, it takes practice to do it well.
Therefore, this module places the student experience at the center of our endeavors by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises.
Learners will have opportunity to learn by doing in all aspects of the course—in class meetings, online classroom, and out-of-class assignments.
No prior knowledge or experience in research is required to take this course.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
- a Level 6 degree in a related field;
OR
- a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related elderly care and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the sector.
Target Audience
The target group covers, but is not limited to:
- Care Home Managers and Directors
- Personnel involved in the administration of care to the elderly
- Educators
- Welfare Officers
- Human Resources and Operations Managers involved in the administration of care for the elderly
- Middle Management (such as. senior care workers etc.)
- Personnel involved in family counselling and counselling of the elderly
- Nurses
- Medical Doctors
- Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, dieticians etc.
Career Paths
The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be: Elderly Care Home Managers/Directors, Elderly Home Chief Executive Officers/ Chief Financial Officers/Human Resources Managers.
It is designed to improve the prospect of employment and career progression in areas including, but not limited, to:
- Community/social services agencies for the elderly;
- Religious organisations which provide care for the elderly;
- Healthcare and long-term care agencies and institutions (state and private).
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Modular Assessment
- Dissertation Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Additional Info
Upon successfully completing the course, you will be able to get 70% of the course fees back through the Get Qualified scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically formulate research questions and design appropriate research.
- Collect own data using a variety of methods.
- Critically analyse both qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills.
- Critically evaluate own research and that of other scientists.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
At the end of the module Students will have been exposed to:
Key indicative topic areas cover:
Foundations
- The nature of research – Introduction to Research and the Research Process
- Research Ethics and Integrity
- Critical appraisal
Quantitative Research part 1
- Introduction to Quantitative Research, Study Designs and Methods
Quantitative Research part 2
- Analysis and Interpretation of Quantitative Data
- Critical Appraisal of Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research part 1
- Introduction to Qualitative Research, Study Designs and Methods
Qualitative Research part 2
- Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data
- Critical Appraisal of Qualitative Research
Mix Methods
- Introduction to Mixed Methods Research, Study Designs and Methods
- Analysis and Interpretation of Mixed Methods Data
- Critical Appraisal of Mixed Methods Research
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Formulate research questions and design appropriate research.
- Collect own data using a variety of methods.
- Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills.
- Critically interpret own research and that of other scientists.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Formulate research questions and design appropriate research.
- Collect own data using a variety of methods.
- Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills.
- Critically interpret own research and that of other scientists.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Communicates ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of techniques involving qualitative and quantitative information to sustain arguments.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Undertake independent and self-directed study through primary and secondary research.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.