Management and Business Studies Research MSc

There is a growing demand for accomplished researchers in both academia and the wider business environment who have the ability to select and implement appropriate methodologies for business research. This Management and Business Studies Research MSc course is ideal if you are a business professional and would like to gain a sound training in the methods of business and management research, as well as a critical understanding of how organisations are managed.

This course also offers preliminary training for doctoral students on PhD and DBA programmes in research methods and related skills appropriate for their needs. Students who are contemplating doctoral studies but who have not yet enrolled on the PhD or DBA can be accepted onto this programme.

What will you study?

After an induction programme introducing you to the Business School and the expectations and ethos of the course, you will go on to study and examine research design and data collection as well as data analysis and reporting, linking qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques. You will also look at perspectives on organisational studies and further background materials to encourage debate about research and philosophies.

In addition you will study advanced research methods, which will introduce you to some statistical techniques, and computer-aided analysis of qualitative data. The research project proposal sessions will prepare you for your dissertation, which in turn can be used to prepare the ground for your doctoral research.

Kingston Business School works closely with the business world's principal professional bodies in order to harmonise its education provision with the needs of today's business practitioners. You will learn how to turn theory into practice and gain a qualification that has real value in the real world. Find out more...

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Available modules

• Advanced Research Methods

• Advanced Research Methods

  In this module you will develop an in-depth understanding of different types of advanced and specialised research techniques. This will include identifying the most appropriate context for their use, assessing their strengths and weaknesses and understanding the principles behind them.

  
   
• Foundations of Data Analysis and Reporting

• Foundations of Data Analysis and Reporting

  This module will teach you how to plan and execute data handling and analysis, understanding the principles and techniques behind the analysis and linking data to research questions and aims. You will:

  • look at both qualitative and quantitive data;
  • become proficient in the use of dedicated software tools and techniques; and
  • develop skills in writing up and reporting results.
  
   
• Organisation Theory and Management

• Organisation Theory and Management

  In this module you study a broad range of issues relating to different organisation and management models. You will use this critical evaluation to identify areas that require research and development.

  Topics covered will encompass organisational theorising, employment, organisation structure and economic models.

  
   
• Research Design and Data Collection

• Research Design and Data Collection

  This module looks at different research techniques. You will learn how to:

  • evaluate different methods;
  • select the most appropriate for a specific research question;
  • develop research design plans; and
  • construct and test data collection methods.
  
   
• Research Project Proposal

• Research Project Proposal

  In this module you will plan a piece of research that demonstrates your ability to identify and define a researchable problem and to present a coherent proposal in written form.

  You will consider why a topic is suitable for investigation and select the most appropriate methods of data collection and analysis in light of your objectives.

  
   
• Dissertation

The Faculty of Business and Law runs a number of postgraduate and post-experience open days. Visit us to find out how we can help you achieve your career ambitions.

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Research is an essential part of the day-to-day life of Kingston Business School and is embedded in its intellectual activities and development.

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