Program Overview

Educational research is the foundation on which education systems are built. Curriculum development, teaching methods, learning strategies and new policies are all shaped by the work of educational researchers.

Our MRes Educational Research gives you the skills to become an expert researcher. You will learn to inform the future of education from academic staff who have helped to shape education policy nationally. Stirling is one of the top 20 universities in the UK for impact in Education research (REF 2021).

In-depth course content

Our MRes degree gives you the in-depth knowledge you’ll need to progress to PhD study in education or pursue a career with a focus on research. During your studies you’ll:

• explore different traditions that inform educational research and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses;
• learn how to design and ethically conduct research projects;
• evaluate statistics and data and conduct your own quantitative research;
• learn how digital technology and data systems are applied to social science research;
• produce an original piece of research in your dissertation.

Our educational research Masters degree is designed to be flexible. It can be taken as a full-time or part-time course to suit your needs.

Recognised quality

Our education research degree is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting its criteria for postgraduate research education and training. Therefore, graduates of ESRC-approved courses are seen as demonstrating a high-level of methodological competence that can improve career prospects and build a CV for work in many areas.

ESRC recognition means applicants are likely eligible to apply for competitive funding from the Scottish Graduate School in the Social Sciences (SGSSS) for both the MRes and a PhD at Stirling. On graduation, students completing the MRes are also potentially eligible to apply for SGSSS funding for a funded PhD. Participation in the MRes connects students to a wider network of researchers, events and resources across Scotland and the UK.

Become an expert researcher with our flexible MRes Educational Research.