MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert Research Methods for Business and Management

Overview & facilities

The course provides up-to-date research training for management and social science subjects and is designed for those wishing to embark on a research career. Such knowledge and skills are valuable for jobs in industry, commerce and finance that require the collection, analysis and presentation of information.

This course should also enable more experienced individuals to update their research skills. All research students in the Business School will normally register for this training course. You will develop the skills needed to plan, research and analyse data in varied and appropriate ways, access research findings critically and to make well-founded decisions based on research data. This course will provide you with an essential grounding of methodologies and techniques necessary for MPhil and PhD students, and allow you to specialise your interests through the variety of optional modules.

This course starts in October. Full-time students usually attend three days a week and part-time students, two days a week.

Content & modules

Assessment varies according to your chosen modules but includes case studies and extended essays.

Modules

• Year 1

  Business and Management Concepts: Theory and Practice (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module builds students knowledge of business functions, business practices, and management challenges, as well as developing their skills in putting that knowledge into practice. It provides sufficient knowledge of organisational activities and processes to enable students to formulate and execute high level plans in organisations, having full regard for the impact of these on stakeholders, as well as taking account of the dynamics of the external environment. In particular, it aims to: explore the complexity and integrated nature of organisational functions, management activity, and external forces as these affect business strategy and performance; evaluate the application of tools and techniques of management, including resource allocation, performance management, and concepts of behaviour, to enhance organisational effectiveness and to investigate emerging issues and contemporary trends in management.

  Corporate Governance and Corporate Accountability (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module examines evolution of corporate governance mechanisms from theoretical and practical view points. The governance mechanisms in a number of major countries together with their high profile cases of corporate failure are discussed. I n this module, traditional corporate governance theoretical framework is extended to address issues underlying corporate social responsibility. Some of these issues include the significance of corporate transparency and social audit in maintaining corporate accountability

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to enable students to bring together the knowledge and skills developed during the programme and apply them to the problems of formulation, design, execution and analysis of an original research project on a substantive or a methodological problem. To provide an opportunity for students to extend their knowledge of a selected topic and to apply it to the formulation and design of a substantive investigation.

  Econometric Modelling in Finance and Economics (30 Credits) - Optional

  Aims The aims of the module are to provide an advanced knowledge of econometric theory and practice as a basis for understanding its usefulness in finance, banking and economics and facilitating the use of econometric techniques in empirical work. The module is problem and data driven, giving students the skills to estimate and interpret econometric models, while having a strong grasp of the underlying theoretical concepts. The module will introduce the student to recent developments in the econometrics of time series and panel data analysis and enable the student to undertake applied econometric work successfully via hands-on training using econometrics computer software Excel, PcGive and Stata . The module will be very helpful in writing Master Dissertations a compulsory part of the MSc Programme at the Business School and develop interests for further research at MPhil/PhD level by engaging students in empirical research. studies.

  Globalisation and Work (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to examine new ways of working and new production paradigms in an internationalised economy, expressed through country and sectoral case studies. Changes in the international division of labour will be studied and government, employer, NGO, international financial institutions and trade union responses recorded. Particular attention will be focused on debates and controversies surrounding corporate social responsibility and international labour standards.

  Health and Social Marketing Practice (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to develop the students ability to apply relevant marketing theory to the specific challenges of social marketing and health promotion, including health service delivery and campaigns aimed at health-related behavioural change, improving public health or reducing illness.

  International Business Management (30 Credits) - Optional

  The aims of the module are to: introduce students theoretical frameworks for analysing international business and its environment, and developing international business strategies; develop a critical appreciation of the impact of the international environment on international business; develop an understanding of key issues relating to the complexity of managing international operations; develop a range of international business and employability skills critical in students future career success.

  Methodology and Research Design (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide a broad overview of research methodology for postgraduate students in business and management. This is a core module for the MSc Research Methods for Business and Management, and will be available as an option for other research student and MA/MSc students with the Module leader s permission . The module aims are: i to describe a number of philosophical and methodological approaches currently used as a basis for research in business, management and the social sciences ii to describe and illustrate the ways that research problems are formulated in business and management iii to develop the skills of literature review and critical analysis of research reports iv to discuss various methods of research design in response to problems of measurement, controls, and generalisability v to present a number of ethical issues relevant to the conduct and publication of research vi to discuss critically the conventional distinction between quantitative and qualitative research, and its usefulness in planning and evaluating research vii along with other modules on the MSc, to prepare students to be able to design, and carry out, mixed-methods research, where appropriate.

  Qualitative Research Methods (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides an overview of the principal qualitative research methods used in business and management. It considers the rationale, practice and application of a wide range of qualitative research skills enabling students to confront real world research questions in an organisational and professional context.

  Statistical Data Analysis (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop the statistical reasoning of postgraduate students, and their skills in quantitative data analysis, employing the widely used software SPSS. Specific aims include using a range of methods to manage data, to summarise findings, to test hypotheses, and to develop simple models, and hence draw supportable conclusions; presenting results and appropriate conclusions in written reports; and developing the ability to interpret critically quantitative research produced by others. This is the basic module in statistics for post-graduate students in the Business School.

  Statistical Methods for Quality and Forecasting (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module is concerned with statistical approaches to two problems of management, quality improvement and forecasting. The main aim is to show how statistics can make fundamental contributions to these problems, and to provide an appreciation of the role of statistical methods in a management context. More specifically, the aims are to provide an understanding of the methods of statistical process control; to introduce methods of experimental design and analysis within the context of quality improvement; to explain the role of forecasting in business and management and the contribution that statistical methods can make; and to provide tools for the development of a forecasting system.

This course has 3 Core modules, and a range of optional modules from the business and social sciences disciplines.

Those taking the PG Certificate will take two modules and those choosing the PG Diploma will take 4 modules. The Masters students will take 4 modules and the dissertation.

Entry & applying

Standard entry requirements

For the MSc Research Methods for Business and Management we normally require a second class honours degree or above, with an applied quantitative element of statistics, mathematics, engineering, physics, computing or science.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for Research Methods for Business and Management for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £3,732

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £9,700 

Careers & placements

This course provides an essential grounding of methodologies and techniques necessary for MPhil and PhD students. It is ideal for those who are working in, or wanting a career in, information management, strategic planning, market intelligence and data analysis.

What can you do with an economics degree?
Our graduates have been highly successful in obtaining well-paid employment and have obtained positions in the financial, commercial and public sectors working in banking, insurance, investment, oil and pharmaceutical companies and government departments such as the Home Office.

There are three main types of economists: business, government and academic - and each type applies the economic approach to decision-making in a different setting.

Salary
The average starting salary for Economics graduates ranges from £25,000  - £35,000.

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few career opportunities  that would be open to you as a graduate:

Business Economists - A business economist identifies areas that can be profitable to an organisation, to develop them further and to identify problem areas and transform them into opportunities and challenges that can benefit the company. They work in manufacturing, mining, transportation, communications, banking, insurance, retailing, investment, and other types of organisations.

Government Economists - A government economist works for National and Local governments. They serve in a wide variety of positions involving analysis and policy making working in areas like macroeconomic modelling, competition policy, international financial issues, labour market trends, taxation, housing benefits, local government finance, public health and criminal justice, to name but a few. 

Academic Economists - Some economics graduates move on to postgraduate studies in economics and go on to become academic economists working within higher education institutes such as Middlesex University.

Actuary - Actuaries are experts in evaluating the likelihood of future events, designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events and decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur. They solve problems in the business world by analysing and managing risk. 

Financial Analyst - A financial analyst writes reports on the companies they cover trying to describe the businesses and their opinion of the company's investment potential, usually from a fundamental analysis standpoint. They also summarise their report with a rating, such as "buy", "sell", "market perform", "overweight", "hold", etc.

Trade and Financial Officer - Trade and Finance Officers are involved in the business development of trade finance between an organisation and their clients. They maintain client and internal business relationships and ensure client and business needs are fulfilled in an effective and timely manner. A comprehensive knowledge of Risk and Credit skills are highly desirable with this area.

Accounting Analyst - An Accounting Analyst is responsible for client estimates and client reporting, preparation of year-end audited financial statements and tax returns and also reviews tax estimates. The role may also include control and maintenance of assigned ledger accounts, including account reconciliations and ledger entries. Additionally, resolving technical issues, providing both internal and cross functional guidance and expertise.