Human Sciences MRes

Taught Higher Degree , Full-time

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Key Details

  • 1 Year
  • Full Time
Human science

Overview

If your undergraduate degree has left you with a passion for independent research, and an interest in a particular topic in one of the following three areas of Human Sciences: Sport, Physical Activity & Health; Psychology; Counselling and Psychotherapy; Health & Social Care, this degree will allow you to advance both your subject knowledge and your research skills.  Based around an individually devised and researched dissertation on the subject of your interest, it is designed to develop your understanding of high quality research within the Human Sciences and will give you the opportunity to research into a subject that you want to explore.

This course is delivered through a blended learning approach. This includes weekly lectures and material provided via our online Virtual Learning Environment (moodle) supplemented by four half-day input sessions per module.

N.B. All applicants need to contact a tutor before they apply for this course. 

Why study this course?

  • Gain advanced knowledge, skills and experience of conducting independent research
  • Blended learning approach allows flexible learning
  • Excellent preparation for PhD
  • Offered both as full and part time study
  • Loans available to cover fees and / or living costs

What does the course cover?

The course is made up of four modules, one of which is the Dissertation. The remaining three modules are all designed to support student’s engagement in the dissertation project. Furthermore, students work closely with a supervisor throughout all modules. This ensures expert support throughout your entire studies.

The three modules that build to the dissertation include topics of advanced research methods, critically reviewing literature, and practical research skills. To meet the study needs for your research assignments and some content are tailored by the module leader and your supervisor. This creates a bespoke programme for your research and career aspirations.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the programme a range of appropriate assessment methods are employed. These methods are design to promote students opportunity to engage and reflect upon key competencies needed for employability. Assessments include portfolios, critical reviews, research proposals, presentations, and an independent research project.

Attendance

This programme is designed to support the flexible learning needs of the postgraduate student. Recognising the multiple demands on many students, the online lectures and materials can be studied at the student’s own schedule. Half-day input sessions allow students to explore material further under the supervision of an expert tutor, clarify understanding from the online materials, and gain assignment support. Students are therefore strongly recommended to attend all the input sessions.

Entry Requirements

Applicants require an undergraduate degree in a related discipline with a 2:1. Applicants with a good 2:2 combined with exceptional research or additional experience may be considered.

Applicants may additionally be required to attend interview or to submit a piece of written work as part of the application process.

Contact details:

Contact for admissions enquiries:

Tel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2386)
Email: admissions@newman.ac.uk

Contact for course specific enquiries:

Mark Holland (Senior Lecturer in Sport and Health)
Tel: 0121 476 1181 (Ext. 2516)
Email:Mark.Holland@newman.ac.uk

Directions

Course Fees

2018/19: Full-time UK/EU Students - £4,100

*Fees shown are for 2018/19 academic year. The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

View information regarding a Postgraduate Loan (PGL) for Masters

 

Additional Information

General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses

 

Modules

Optional Modules: find out how the University deals with changes that may occur in some eventualities

Timetables: find out when information is available to students

  1. RESEARCH METHODS
    (Compulsory) srm701
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    (Compulsory)

    RESEARCH METHODS

    srm701

    MODULE SUMMARY :

    This module will provide students with a critical appreciation and understanding of the research methodologies used within human science disciplines. The module is designed to provide broad perspectives on qualitative and quantitative research processes initially but then specialism in either qualitative or quantitative methods appropriate for their research interests. Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop a critical stance with respect to research design, analysis, evaluation, as well as research ethics issues. Also, students will be provided with the opportunity to analyse and interpret data sets using appropriate qualitative and quantitative research techniques. They will develop knowledge and understanding of devising a research proposal and effective use of a range of online databases pertinent to the human sciences.

    This module will be taught via a combination of face-to-face seminars and online tasks to support students’ independent study.

     

    CONTACT HOURS :

    Scheduled   : 24.00 Independent   : 276.00 Placement   : 0.00 Total   : 300.00

    MODULE CURRICULUM LED OUTCOMES :

    This module aims to:

     

    • Further develop students’ systematic  and comprehensive knowledge of the range of research techniques used in human sciences

    • Develop students’ critical awareness of the complex ethical issues associated with human science research and key elements of good practice

    • Further develop students’ ability to critically analyse and interpret data sets using qualitative and/or quantitative methods

    • Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of how to independently design, analyse and evaluate original qualitative and/or quantitative research studies

    LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES :

    Students will, by the end of the module, have the opportunity to:

     

    • Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical appraisal of relevant established and contemporary knowledge relating to quantitative and qualitative research techniques

    • Critically evaluate the research methodologies of academic work and comment on their rigour and appropriateness

    • Demonstrate an comprehensive knowledge and understanding of research design, methodologies, data analysis and ethical issues in human science research

    • Analyse data using quantitative and/or qualitative methods as appropriate

    • Interrogate appropriate ethical practices when conducting research with diverse groups as well as good practices when writing and reporting research methodologies

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT :

    Component 1 - 50% Interpretation and Analysis of Data (2500 Words)

    Component 2 - 50% Critical Review of Empirical Journal Article (2500 Words)

  2. PRACTICAL RESEARCH SKILLS
    (Compulsory) srm702
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    (Compulsory)

    PRACTICAL RESEARCH SKILLS

    srm702

    MODULE SUMMARY :

    This module progresses your knowledge gained in SRM701 to consider the practical components of the research processes. Issues surrounding participant recruitment, equipment design, participant care, and data collection, handling and analysis will be discussed. These components of the research process will be critically explored in relation to high-quality, ethical research. Furthermore, the module will provide an opportunity for students to practically explore these issues in light of their own research projects.

    This module is taught both face-to-face and online. Teaching will also be split between group learning and individual working plans throughout.

    CONTACT HOURS :

    Scheduled   : 24.00 Independent   : 276.00 Placement   : 0.00 Total   : 300.00

    MODULE CURRICULUM LED OUTCOMES :

    This module aims to:

     

    • Develop students’ comprehensive understanding of the process of collecting safe, ethical, and high quality data within human science research

    • Develop students’ capacity to identify and critically evaluate appropriate data collection methods for a given piece of research

    • Demonstrate and justify high quality data collection using appropriate methods to answer a research question

    • Be able to critically appraise data collection strategies and practices

    LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES :

    Students will, by the end of the module, have the opportunity to:

     

    • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of various data collection methods used within a specific discipline of human science        

    • Critically explore various stages of the research process and their application to specific research projects

    • Provide critical appraisals for data collection methods based on both theoretical and practical rationales

    • Provide opportunity to plan, conduct, and collect original empirical data to answer a specific research question

    • Critically reflect upon the research process in relation to theory and best practice

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT :

    Component 1 - 100% Research and Reflection Patchwork (5000 Words Equivalent)

  3. THEORY TO PRACTICE
    (Compulsory) srm703
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    (Compulsory)

    THEORY TO PRACTICE

    srm703

    MODULE SUMMARY :

    This module will provide students with the opportunity to explore the role of theory or evidence-based research as well as how their research might be disseminated or show impact. Students will critically appraise the foundation knowledge of both existing research and their own. This will be considered in relation to relevant research philosophy, ethics, and the historical trajectory of knowledge in their field. The theoretical underpinning of students’ own research will drive much of the module content and allow students to apply their own knowledge to real research problems. In addition, students will consider the dissemination of research generally as well as of their own. Consideration of the impact of students’ research will be explored and how this is best achieved.

    This module is taught both face-to-face and online. Teaching will also be split between group learning and individual working plans throughout.

    CONTACT HOURS :

    Scheduled   : 24.00 Independent   : 276.00 Placement   : 0.00 Total   : 300.00

    MODULE CURRICULUM LED OUTCOMES :

    This module aims to:

     

    • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how research is developed according to appropriate contemporary literature

    • Critically appraise research in relation to the underpinning knowledge and theory

    • Develop an ability to discuss original future research in terms of underpinning literature

    • Develop a systematic and critical understanding of how research is disseminated to create impact

    LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES :

    Students will, by the end of the module, have the opportunity to:

               

    • Critically explore various theories relevant to different, specific research projects

    • Critically appraisal literature in relation to underpinning literature

    • Provide opportunity to critically debate research questions, study designs, and ethical issues in relation to existing knowledge

    • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of various methods of research dissemination and their value to practice

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT :

    Component 1 - 50% Critical Essay (2500 Words)

    Component 2 - 50% Research Proposal Individual Presentation (15 minutes + 10 minute viva)

  4. DISSERTATION
    (Compulsory) srm704
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    (Compulsory)

    DISSERTATION

    srm704

    MODULE SUMMARY :

    The research dissertation is the culmination of the MRes course. The module builds on prior learning and offers students the opportunity for further development of their skills, knowledge and understanding through conducting an independent research project. The project is regarded as an important exercise for developing students’ abilities to formulate appropriate and ethical research design, to collect and present in an appropriate and meaningful way, to conduct a critical analysis of relevant literature, and to demonstrate their understanding and application of theoretical principles. The dissertation at Masters level is expected to make a meaningful and original contribution to literature.

    CONTACT HOURS :

    Scheduled   : 30.00 Independent   : 870.00 Placement   : 0.00 Total   : 900.00

    MODULE CURRICULUM LED OUTCOMES :

    This module aims to:

     

    • Provide opportunity to critically apply prior theoretical and practical learning while demonstrating the ability to carry out a sustained piece of original independent work

    • Develop the ability to critically apply theoretical understanding to a complex research project

    • Encourage individual thought, initiative, time management, good skills of written communication and in-depth understanding of a particular issue

    • Develop the ability to consider relevant ethical issues relating to specific research projects

       

    LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES :

    Students will, by the end of the module, have the opportunity to:

     

    • Undertake a substantial piece of original independent research

    • Critically interpret data and appraise the strengths and weaknesses of approaches adopted         

    • Research and assess paradigms, ethics, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving complex problems

    • Produce a sustained and original independent study, which includes: critical evaluation of literature and study design, application of appropriate methodology, and analysis gained from the research

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT :

    Component 1 - 20% Poster Presentation (1500 Words equivalent) & Oral Examination (15 minutes)

    Component 2 - 80% Independent Research Project (20,000 Words)