MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management
Programme Specification
2. Awarding institution
Research Methods for Business and
Management
Middlesex University
3. Teaching institution
Middlesex University
4. Programme accredited by
N/A MSc Research Methods for Business and
Management (MSc RMBM)
5. Final qualification
PGDip Research Methods for Business and
Management PGCert Research Methods for
Business and Management
6. Academic year
2011 - 2012
7. Language of study
English
Full Time
1. Programme title
8. Mode of study
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, normally first or second class. An MA, MSc or
LLM in a relevant field will be an advantage. (In some cases, e.g. where the Master’s degree
included a research-based dissertation, a research student may be allowed to register for a PG
Diploma, rather than an MSc.) Mature applicants with relevant skills and experience may
exceptionally be admitted.
10. Aims of the programme
The MSc aims to:
 provide students with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate published research
reports, and to be aware of issues relating to research methodology, specific methods and
topics;
 provide students with the knowledge and skills to carry out research, from research
problem formulation to reporting, in an area chosen from the broad range of business,
management and social science subjects;
 provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out an original research
project on a substantive or a methodological research problem, up to MPhil or PhD level.
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
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The PG Dip aims to:
 provide students with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate published research
reports, and to be aware of issues relating to research methodology, specific methods and
topics;
 provide students with the knowledge and skills to carry out research, from research
problem formulation to reporting, in an area chosen from the broad range of business,
management and social science subjects.
The PG Cert aims to:
provide students with the skills to critically analyse and evaluate published research reports,
and to be aware of issues relating to research methodology, specific methods and topics.
11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of these programmes (MSc,
PGD, PGC), the successful student will have
knowledge and understanding of:
1. the role of research in addressing
organisational and professional problems;
2. a range of methodological approaches to
organisational, professional and social
research;
3. a range of approaches to research design,
production of (primary and secondary)
data;
4. a range of approaches to data analysis
problems;
5. the strength and limitations of different
methodologies and methods.
MSc and PGD only:
6. a substantive area in business and
management (depending on option
studied)
MSc only:
7. the process of doing a self-managed
research project, resources available, and
pitfalls
B. Cognitive (Thinking) Skills
On completion of these programmes (MSc,
PGD, PGC), the successful student will be
able to:
1. deploy analytical skills in the completion of
a critical study of a particular research
report;
2. critically reflect on evidence presented,
and the methods of its production;
3. produce reasoned arguments, justifying
conclusions drawn;
4. summarise and synthesise information
Teaching/Learning Methods
Students gain knowledge and understanding
through lectures and self-directed study.
These are developed and refined through
seminars and workshops (including informal
assessment from tutors). Specific case
studies will be used. Experts in the field will
make presentations to the students.
Assessment
Students’ knowledge and understanding is
assessed by: essays; projects of varying
lengths; oral presentations; software-based
exercises; pilot production of a semistructured interview (or other 'qualitative'
material); critical analysis of published
research; producing a research design.
Undertaking a dissertation (MSc only)
Teaching/Learning Methods
Students learn summarising and synthesising
skills through participating in lectures
(including related discussions), seminars,
workshops, and self-directed study. Analytical
skills are learnt through the critical analysis of
published research, and via the dissertation
seminars (MSc only).
Assessment
Students’ cognitive skills are assessed by:
essays; projects of varying lengths; critical
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
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from a variety of sources;
5. develop a research design, based on
approaches and methods appropriate for
a given research problem.
analysis of published research; producing a
research design; undertaking the dissertation
(MSc only).
MSc only:
6. locate his/her own research in relation to
an existing body of knowledge on a
research topic.
C. Practical Skills
On completion of these programmes (MSc,
PGD, PGC), the successful student will be
able to:
1. learn and deploy a range of problem
solving skills;
2. work with IT software, such as SPSS or
NVivo;
3. locate and produce data appropriate for a
research problem;
4. analyse data using appropriate
technology;
5. use written and other (e.g. visual
presentation) methods to present research
findings.
Teaching/Learning Methods
Students learn practical skills in statistical
data analysis and software use through
hands-on labs and workshops, informal
workshop presentations, self-directed study
and resource-based learning.
Assessment Method
Students’ practical skills are assessed by:
written reports; formal workshop
presentations; exercise on extraction of data
and use of SPSS to analyse; dissertation
(MSc only).
MSc only:
6. plan, carry out, and present a selfmanaged project, using appropriate
research methods.
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)
12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
MSc: 3 compulsory modules, 1 optional module, Dissertation (60 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma: 3 compulsory modules, 1 optional module
Postgraduate Certificate: 2 of 3 compulsory modules (normally)
Students can choose from the programme’s list of optional modules (see 12.2 below), or from
additional selected optional modules from other Masters programmes.
Full-time or part-time basis.
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
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12.2 Levels and modules
Starting in academic year 2010/11 the University is changing the way it references
modules to state the level of study in which these are delivered. This is to comply with
the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This implementation will be
a gradual process whilst records are updated. Therefore the old coding is bracketed
below.
Level 7 (4)
COMPULSORY
OPTIONAL
PROGRESSION
REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the
Students must also choose
following:
ONE from the following:
STX4700: Methodology and
Research Design
ECS4040: Quantitative
Research Methods
STX4300: Statistical Data
Analysis
SSC4311: Spatial Analysis
(illustrative level 4 HSSC
module choice)
HRM4710: Qualitative
Research Methods
MGT4796: Dissertation
OR: any other level 4 module
agreed with the Programme
Leader (see Programme
Handbook)
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)
Module level
Module code
N/A
13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules
See Curriculum Map attached.
14. Information about assessment regulations
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)
N/A
16. Future careers (if applicable)
Graduates will develop a range of knowledge and skills, as outlined in the programme specification. As
the first year of MPhil / PhD study, this programme aims to provide preparation for an academic
research career. The programme is also suitable for those aiming to take up (or to continue) work in
business and social research, market and public opinion research, information management, or strategic
planning in public or private organisations.
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
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17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
Provided by the designated programme leader, the module leaders, and the research supervisor(s)
(where appropriate). All staff teaching on the programme are research-active. In addition the School has
a rich and varied programme of seminars, presented by School staff, outside researchers, business
leaders, and research students themselves. A wide range of learning resources is available in the
University's multi-campus Library, many of them in on-line format.
18. JACS code (or other relevant coding
system)
19. Relevant QAA subject benchmark
group(s)
Business Masters Programmes (Specialist Type
1A)

20. Reference points



'Putting students at the centre of learning', Middlesex University Teaching and Learning
Strategy (currently being updated)
Middlesex University Guide and Regulations
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, QAA
QAA Code of Practice for Quality Assurance
ESRC Postgraduate Training Guidelines (2001, 2004
21. Other information
Please note programme specifications provide a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to
achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed
information about the programme can be found in the student programme handbook and the
University Regulations.
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
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Curriculum map
This section shows the highest level at which programme outcomes are to be achieved by all graduates, and maps programme
learning outcomes against the modules in which they are assessed.
Programme learning outcomes
Module Title
Module Code
Programme Outcomes
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6
Methodology and Research Design
STX4700
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Statistical Data Analysis
STX4300
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Qualitative Research Methods
HRM4710
Dissertation
MGT4796
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(Substantive) Option
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
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Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Practical Skills
A1
The role of research in addressing organisational and professional problems
C1
Learn and deploy a range of problem solving skills
A2
A range of methodological approaches to organisational, professional and
social research
C2
Work with IT software, such as SPSS or NVivo
A3
A range of approaches to research design, production of (primary and
secondary) data
C3
Locate and produce data appropriate for a research problem
A4
A range of approaches to data analysis problems
C4
Analyse data using appropriate technology
A5
The strength and limitations of different methodologies and methods
C5
Use written and other (e.g. visual presentation) methods to present research
findings
A6
MSc and PGD only: A substantive area in business and management
(depending on options studied)
C6
MSc only: Plan, carry out, and present a self-managed project, using appropriate
research methods
A7
MSc only: The process of doing a self-managed research project, resources
available, and pitfalls
C7
Cognitive Skills
Graduate Skills N/A
B1
Deploy analytical skills in the completion of a critical study of a particular
research report
D1
B2
Critically reflect on evidence presented, and the methods of its production
D2
B3
Produce reasoned arguments, justifying conclusions drawn
D3
B4
Summarise and synthesise information from a variety of sources
D4
B5
B6
Develop a research design, based on approaches and methods appropriate
for a given research problem
MSc only: Locate his/her own research in relation to an existing body of
knowledge on a research topic
MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management 2011/2012
D5
D6
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