Research Methods
Module Description
This module is designed to help you gain an understanding of research approaches and skills, as well as the ability to deploy research methods in your studies or professional life.
If you have to conduct research as part of your postgraduate studies and if you would like additional support for self-improvement, then this module is for you.
It provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods and covers broad topics, including 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, takes practice to do it well. Therefore, this module places the student experience at the center of our endeavors by engaging you in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises.
You will have opportunity to learn through practice in all aspects of the course— during class meetings, online classrooms and even in out-of-class assignments.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
• Level 6 Degree related to one of the following areas: Law, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Accounting, Governance, Business and Government Policy;
OR
• Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma and 4 years’ work experience, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role;
OR
• Level 6 degree not related to Law, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Accounting, Governance, Business and Government Policy and a minimum of two years relevant experience.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at people within the financial and banking sector, legal sector, governance sector, business sector, artificial intelligence sector, and other individuals seeking professional and academic advancement in the field of Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance.
Career Paths
The programme prepares for positions such as and not limited to:
- Compliance Supervisor/Manager/Officers
- Anti-Money Laundering Managers
- Money Laundering Reporting Officer and their deputies
- Law enforcement agencies and supervisory and regulatory authorities
- Managers with responsibilities for internal AML controls
- Risk Managers
- Director of Compliance
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.
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 proposal.
- Critically analyse and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data using computer-based skills.
- Develop and apply research skills on data collection methods.
- Critically evaluate own research and that of other scientists.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module Students will have been exposed to critically analyse, challenge, evaluate, assess and synthesize key indicative content:
- Introduction to research.
- Research problem identification and formulation.
- Literature survey and review.
- Project management.
- Dissertation Proposal writing and presentation.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Critically analyse a range of quantitative and qualitative research designs and identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with these designs; ·
- Critically assess the appropriateness of quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data.
- Apply knowledge on how to choose the most appropriate research method to address a particular research question.
- Deploy techniques of analysis and enquiry to critically evaluate research strategies, research findings, and the reliability and validity of information.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Communicate and present to the wider audience ideas, research proposals, literature survey/review and research outcomes in a clear, concise, succinct, organized and structured way as per the guidelines. Academic writing and dissemination skills.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.