Research Methods

Module Description

This module is designed for learners who want and need to gain an understanding of research approaches and skills and gain an ability to deploy research methods in their studies or in their 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 centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises.  

No prior knowledge or experience in research is required to take this course.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:

• Level 6 Degree related to one of the following areas: Finance and/or Accounting. 

 OR 

• Level 6 degree not related to Finance and/or Accounting and a minimum of two years relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board) 

OR  

• Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to Finance and/or Accounting and 4 years’ work experience preferably in a position related to the subject area of this programme (subject to interview by admissions board). 

In the case of mature students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the RPL process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.

IDEA Academy will accept in transfer up to two of the ACCA Strategic Professional examinations completed by prospective students, these being one or maximum two of the following:

• Strategic Business Leader
• Strategic Business Reporting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Advanced Audit and Assurance

Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.

Target Audience

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Accounting. 
• Individuals who already have a good foundation in accountancy and would like to take their studies a step further by embarking onto professional modules intended to broaden their knowledge for them to work independently and become certified public accountants and registered auditors. 
• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of accounting, consulting, financial, and managerial career paths with the intention of leading a team of individuals and helping their junior staff progress as well as assisting their employers in making the right decisions. 
• Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess, and communicate financial related data in a way that ensures proactivity and, to a certain extent, devise strategies for the business.

Module / Unit Instructions

The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via lecturer-to-student and peer-to-peer learning.

The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:

Module Components Structure: · Face-to-face sessions: 30h · Online Learning Activities: 20h.

Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.

Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions.

These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises.

Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.

How you’ll be assessed

This module consists of two assessment tasks, each carrying a weighting as below:

a) Assessment 1 carries 20% of total module mark achieved. b) Assessment 2 carries 80% of total module mark achieved.

The overall grade achieved for each module is calculated as the sum of: • 20% of the mark achieved for Assessment 1; and • 80% of the mark achieved for the Assessment 2.

Both Assessment 1 tasks and Assessment 2 tasks aim to provide the learner an opportunity to produce evidence of his/her competences aligned to the learning outcomes of each individual Module.

a) Assessment 1 may include different forms of assessment which allow and promote students’ critical engagement (e.g., online discussions, in-class discussions, case studies, etc.).

b) Assessment 2 consists of one assignment at the end of the module.

The mode of assessment varies and may include in-class assignments, and home-based written assignments using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of examinations of 2-3 hours, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations.

The recommended assessment tool for this module is a case study.

For successful completion of a study module the student is required to achieve an overall pass mark of 50%.