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Understanding Research Methods

Learn research fundamentals for postgraduate studies and professional life. Demystify research methods in this SOAS course.

Learn research fundamentals for postgraduate studies and professional life. Demystify research methods in this SOAS course.

This MOOC demystifies research and research methods, focusing on fundamentals for postgraduate-level studies and professional applications. Designed by SOAS, University of London, it offers a comprehensive understanding of research approaches and skills. The course is suitable for those conducting postgraduate research or seeking self-improvement in research methods. No prior knowledge is required, making it accessible to all. The curriculum draws from SOAS's research training materials, particularly from the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy. In 2015, it was nominated for the Guardian University Award for innovative online learning. The course places student experience at the center, engaging learners in robust discussions and exercises befitting SOAS's research-intensive status. While participation doesn't confer academic credit for University of London programmes, it provides valuable insights into research methodologies.

4.6

(7,522 ratings)

3,50,652 already enrolled

English

پښتو, বাংলা, Basa Jawa / ꦧꦱꦗꦮ, 9 more

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Understanding Research Methods

This course includes

5 Hours

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

2,435

What you'll learn

  • Formulate effective research questions

  • Understand the purpose and process of conducting literature reviews

  • Develop research planning and management skills

  • Enhance critical thinking abilities for research

  • Learn to provide and receive constructive feedback on research proposals

  • Gain practical experience in outlining a research plan

Skills you'll gain

research methods
literature review
research planning
critical thinking
academic writing

This course includes:

0.75 Hours PreRecorded video

Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop

FullTime access

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to research methods, suitable for postgraduate students and professionals. It covers the fundamentals of research, including formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, and developing research planning and management skills. The curriculum is designed to demystify the research process and equip learners with practical skills for academic and professional contexts. Through a series of e-tivities, students engage with key concepts, reflect on their learning, and apply their knowledge to develop a research proposal. The course emphasizes critical thinking, academic writing, and peer feedback, providing a well-rounded understanding of the research process.

What Is Research and What Makes a Good Research Question?

Module 1 · 1 Hours to complete

What Is a Literature Review and Why Do We Need to Do One?

Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete

Why Are Planning and Management Skills Important for Research?

Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete

How Do You Know You Have Been a Good Researcher at the End of a Project?

Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete

Fee Structure

Payment options

Financial Aid

Instructors

Dr Dan Plesch
Dr Dan Plesch

4.7 rating

220 Reviews

6,11,417 Students

4 Courses

A Leader in International Studies and Advocacy for Global Governance Reform

Dr. Plesch serves as the Director of the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London. He is the author of several influential books, including Human Rights After Hitler, America, Hitler and the UN (co-authored with Thomas G. Weiss), Wartime Origins and the Future UN, and The Beauty Queen's Guide to World Peace. Currently, he collaborates with UN agencies on public policy research concerning global governance reform and world disarmament, recently co-editing a paper on disarmament with the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs. Notably, he led a research group that successfully restored the role of women from the Global South in advancing gender equality in the UN Charter. His scholarly contributions to UN history have earned high praise, with Brian Urquhart, the inventor of Peacekeeping, describing them as "magnificent," while Ben Ferencz, a prosecutor of Nazis at Nuremberg, labeled his work on the WWII war crimes trials as an "eye opener." At the CISD, he convenes the flagship MA in International Studies and Diplomacy and spearheaded the introduction of Online Masters programs. Dr. Plesch studied history at Nottingham and gained professional qualifications in social work and public administration from Bristol in 1979 and 1980. His early career involved working with NGOs focused on nuclear disarmament. In 1986, he founded the British American Security Information Council (BASIC) and directed it from Washington, DC, until 2001, when he became a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London. His academic roles since 1988 include Honorary Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of Peace Studies at Bradford University, Research Associate at Birkbeck College, University of London, and Senior Visiting Research Fellow at Keele University. Outside academia, Dr. Plesch has served as a consultant and advisor to various organizations, including the UK and US governments, BBC, CNN, Sky News, Kroll Security International, Oxfam, the Foreign Policy Centre, and Greenpeace. He was also an independent advisor to the UK government's Department of Constitutional Affairs on the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, he has delivered keynote addresses on significant topics, including the 7/7 bombings and renewable energy. His writings have been featured in esteemed publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, The Times, The Guardian, and New Statesman.

Dr J. Simon Rofe, SOAS, University of London
Dr J. Simon Rofe, SOAS, University of London

4.6 rating

2,576 Reviews

5,39,737 Students

2 Courses

Senior Lecturer in Diplomacy and International Studies at SOAS, University of London

Dr. J. Simon Rofe is a Senior Lecturer in Diplomacy and International Studies and the Director of the Global Diplomacy Programme at the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS, University of London. With over fifteen years of experience teaching Diplomacy, International Relations, and History at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, he has received multiple awards for his teaching excellence, including an International E-learning award in 2010. His research interests encompass International and Diplomacy History, focusing particularly on US Foreign Relations and the diplomacy of international sport. Dr. Rofe teaches courses such as "Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World" and "Understanding Research Methods."

Understanding Research Methods

This course includes

5 Hours

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

2,435

Testimonials

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4.6 course rating

7,522 ratings

Frequently asked questions

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