91̽»¨

The course can be part of the following programme:

L2EUR International Master's Programme in Educational Research,
S2IME International Master's Programme in Educational Research

Main field of Studies

Education with Specialization in Educational Research

To be eligible for the course, a good first cycle degree in Social 91̽»¨s with a minimum of 60 credits in Education, or equivalent is required. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course introduces educational research as scholarly effort and as academic discipline. The purpose of educational research is discussed. Educational research is exemplified in lectures and through reading, including studies that investigate the sustainability and globalisation of education. The course will encourage students to think critically and to engage in active and constructive critique of educational research. Students will furthermore discuss the nature of ’good’ educational research by identifying and discussing key attributes of educational research and what benefits we expect to derive from them. Developing students’ critical thinking and clear reasoning about educational research have a central place in the course.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain what educational research is and how it may be distinguished from education as professional practice;
• account for the role of theory and method in educational research;
• explain the importance of sustainability and globalization in educational research.

Competence and skills

• use library search skills to identify a coherent selection of educational research articles on a topic and critically assess their value;
• collect research data on a given research topic;
• write a brief research report on collected data, using research articles to set out the topic in scholarly context.

Judgement and approach

• explore one’s own research orientation, including one’s main research ambitions and one’s personal beliefs about the nature of good research; 
• clarify the research ethics and sustainability of student's own research orientation.

The course is delivered in a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars.

Language of instruction: English

Learning is assessed through the following assignments:

1. A draft scholarly essay (7,5 hp)
2. A complete scholarly essay (7,5 hp)

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade Pass, both assignments must be graded a Pass (G). For the grade Pass with Distinction (VG), the draft scholarly essay must be graded a pass, while the complete scholarly essay must be graded Pass with Distinction.

Course evaluation is done via an anonymous survey at the end of the course. The survey results and changes in the course structure are communicated to the IMER programme council and students via Canvas.

The course uses online information and communication via the University 91̽»¨'s digital learning platform and other digital tools. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.