No matter how good your topic is, if you approach it the wrong way, it can end up in a disaster. When conducting research or forming a thesis, you have to decide your approach from the techniques and tools given to you. This is a logical and systematic guideline to ensure that the results are valid and sufficient to answer the research question posed. Research (postgraduate and undergraduate) is an important part of your academic career and a lack of knowledge regarding the research approach might not lead to a satisfactory conclusion of your research.
Why is it important to study research methodology?
Due to the changing nature of data, acquired through machines, networks, sensors and softwares, it is necessary for students to be equipped with the right analytical tools to successfully process and analyse big data. The process of the research has to be smooth and make the research legitimate. Deciding on the methodology does not leave any confusion about what to choose from the numerous methods of research, qualitative, quantitative or a mix of both.
Best courses to study research methodology
1. MSc Research Methods with International Development at the University of Manchester
This program has multiple benefits for you- it has a strong component which develops your research skills and you will be studying at a university that is ranked 7th in the world for development studies ( according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022). This is perfect if you are planning to go into research or PhD. By the end of this degree, you will be a well-rounded researcher who is trained by experts in the field of development. Alumni of this course are employed in Oxfam, The World Bank, USAID, UN and other renowned international organisations. There are also several scholarships available for this course.
Duration: 1 year
Annual fee for international students: 23,935 Euros
Entry requirements: UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) or equivalent and an IELTS score of 6.0 Overall with 6.0 in writing, no more than one sub skill at 5.5 and no subskill below 5.5
2. Masters of Social Research (Advanced) at the Australian National University
In order to understand the constantly changing social, political and economic forces at play in the world, social research is becoming increasingly popular and important. Under the experts who have worked in government and private industries, you will learn to conduct, commission and evaluate research in the social sciences. Not only will you complete a research project, you will also be taught the properly engaging tools to form hypotheses and describe the key stages of the research (for example, which statistical analysis will apply to your specific research) and how they can apply to real-world issues. The Australian National University is ranked 30th in the world and
Duration: 2 years
Annual fee for international students: 26,761.62 Euros
Entry requirements: A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 6/7 or equivalent, meets the English language requirements.
3. Research Methods in Psychology (MSc) at the University of Southampton
After the completion of the degree, you will be able to take two paths- become a professional researcher in the field of psychology (and get employed by the NHS) or you can enrol as a PhD student. In order to come up with your research question and develop your research, you will be taught the right research methods and data analytics methods. You can collaborate with other students of psychology in the university as well.
Duration: 1 year or more (for part-timers)
Annual fee for international students: 30,066 Euros
Entry requirements: A 2:1 degree in Psychology (or something relevant)
4. MA Research Methods (Education) X1K107 at Durham University
Durham University is ranked as the 92nd university in the world and has a research-led approach to education. This program is particularly useful for individuals who want to study research methods with social sciences that lead to research that transforms education. You will be meeting students and faculty from social sciences, education, psychology and anthropology.
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Annual fee for international students: 27,167 Euros
Entry requirements: An honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent) and meet English requirements
5. Master of Applied Research at Victoria University
Victoria University is ranked as 63rd according to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022. Students with a bachelor’s degree who want to learn research methods before applying it to the fields of health or sport go for this program. After this degree, you can apply your knowledge in diversity and inclusion, health, mental health and disease, sport performance, sport business, and policy.
Duration: 2 years full time or longer for part time
Annual fee for international students: Ranges from 9,076 to 11,021 Euros
Entry requirements: Check academic and English requirement here
Job prospects after studying research methodology
As you can see from the list of courses mentioned above, research does not only include scientific subjects, it can be applied to commercial and public sector research as well. This opens up jobs for you as an academic researcher in a number of areas:
- Educational Institutions
- Government Institutions
- Industrial Laboratories
- Corporate Institutions
- Hospitals
- Insurance Companies
- Private Companies and Industries
These courses aid you in improving your research methods but these qualifications can open up doors for you for a career as an actuary, market research analyst, medical research scientist, biological or life science researcher, research psychologist, research associate etc. Your average salary in these professions would be 34,900 – 3,17,239 USD depending on your work experience and the industry in which you work.
Conclusion
These programs are excellent options if you want to become a researcher with a solid foundation and gain the knowledge that you did not find sufficient in your bachelor’s degree. To find out more about the process of applying to these universities, click here to book a session with us.
