Education MA, Research in Practical Research, 15 credits

Aim

During the course, the student shall develop fundamental competence in research and development work. The student shall acquire:

• an in‑depth understanding of scientific methodology,
• advanced knowledge within the chosen subject area,
• insight into educational research.

Course objectives

Second‑cycle education shall involve the development of advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to first‑cycle education. In addition to the requirements for first‑cycle education, the learning outcomes aim to:

• further develop the students’ ability to independently integrate and apply knowledge,
• develop the students’ ability to manage complex phenomena, issues, and situations, and
• develop the students’ capacity for professional practice that demands a high degree of independence, or for research and development work. (Chapter 1, Section 9, Higher Education Act, SFS 1992:1434)

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding
• Reflect on and engage in activities, theories, concepts, methods, and analyses used within the field of educational research.
• Understand critical analyses of research articles and scholarly texts.

Competence and skills
• Identify and evaluate key methods and shared experiences within the specific research groups.

Judgement and approach
• Reflect on one’s emerging research identity and interests in relation to ongoing research at the department.
• Present an original scholarly text that is well‑structured, well‑supported, formally accurate, and linguistically clear.
• Communicate and defend one’s work, as well as critically and constructively serve as an opponent on another person’s work.

Content

The course provides insight into educational research practice as it is conducted within the department’s research orientations and seminar activities. Particular emphasis is placed on practice‑based research, that is, the research process that takes place in close collaboration between researchers and practitioners. During the course, participants are given the opportunity to describe, analyse, and discuss the relationship between research and practice with the aim of developing an understanding of how practice‑based research contributes to the development of educational practice at various levels of society.

During the course, the student conducts an analysis of practice‑relevant research and an in‑depth literature review within a self‑selected problem area relevant to practice‑based research, with the intention of identifying central aspects and concepts for further study. In this way, the course prepares the student for the more extensive independent work carried out as part of the master’s degree.

The course also provides the student with the opportunity to reflect on and further develop their own emerging research identity.

Entry requirements

A completed degree of at least 180 credits, including a 15‑credit independent project (degree project) in the main field of Education or an equivalent main field, or a completed teaching degree of at least 180 credits with a 15‑credit independent project (degree project), as well as research methodology comprising at least 15 credits at the advanced level. In addition, proficiency in Swedish and English is required, equivalent to the general entry requirements for first‑cycle higher education in Sweden.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

The implementation of the course is based on teacher‑led seminars, participation in practice‑based research and development assignments, individual literature studies, and the completion of course tasks. The teaching aims to promote active learning and shared responsibility for achieving the intended learning outcomes of the course and the programme as a whole. During the course, the following learning activities are included:

• Individual study work
• Seminars
• Written assignments
• Oral presentations
• Peer feedback

Examination form

2401: Learning Contract and Schedule, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Oral and Written Assignment

2402: Analysis – Practice‑Based Research, 7.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
Oral and Written Presentation

2403: In-Depth Literature Review, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale
Written Assignment

2404: Research Identity, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Oral and Written Presentation

The examination is based on four assignments. In order to pass the course, the minimum grade of Pass must be achieved on each of the assignments listed above.

Link to subject‑specific grading criteria: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

If a student has a certificate from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding pedagogical support due to a disability, the examiner has the right to provide adapted examination arrangements for the student.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals, etc., are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.