Find out more about studying MRes in Education - Assessment and Quality Assurance at University of Hertfordshire? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MRes - Master of Research
College Lane - Campus
Full Time
Sep 2027
2 Year
About the course The Master of Research in Education Assessment and Quality Assurance is a research-led postgraduate degree in education with taught elements, uniquely designed to equip you with the expertise to critically examine how assessment, evaluation, and quality assurance practices shape teaching, learning, and policy across education systems. It’s grounded in research methodology, with particular emphasis on the design, implementation, and evaluation of assessment frameworks and the mechanisms that underpin quality assurance in schools, colleges, and universities. You will explore how assessment policy, quality standards, and institutional accountability influence learner outcomes, teaching practices, and educational reform at both national and global levels. This pathway enables you to develop advanced research skills in assessment and evaluation, along with transferable abilities that are highly valued by employers, including critical analysis, data interpretation, ethical research practice, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to a range of audiences. You will deepen your understanding of educational theory and practice in order to contribute evidence-based improvements to teaching, learning, and policy. You can choose this Master of Research in Education - Assessment and Quality Assurance or the following pathways: Master of Research in Education Master of Research in Education - Institutional Development Master of Research in Education - Learning Sciences and Technology Master of Research in Education - Special Educational Needs and Inclusion
This module equips students with a critical understanding of foundational and contemporary educational theories, global policy trends, and innovative practices. Through collaborative learning and applied research, students develop analytical and methodological skills to independently research and report on educational issues. The module fosters professional collaboration, enhances digital literacy, and promotes effective use of academic resources. Learners will engage with diverse perspectives, preparing them to influence educational practice and policy in dynamic, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed ways.
This module empowers students to become reflective education researchers through the critical interpretation of literature and the development of conceptual frameworks. Learners will explore their epistemological stance while independently sourcing, evaluating, and synthesising scholarly literature. The module builds independent research skills essential for constructing rigorous, evidence-based arguments and contributes to a deeper understanding of educational knowledge and practice. Students will emerge with the confidence to navigate complex academic landscapes and shape meaningful research contributions.
This module facilitates students in learning to design and evaluate robust, context-sensitive research projects tailored to their educational focus. With supervisor guidance, students will independently reflect on, and evidence, the researcher's role in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, while fostering critical evaluation of methodologies and data sources. Students will explore the influence of conceptual frameworks on research design and develop the skills to draw meaningful, evidence-based conclusions. This module equips learners with the tools to design and execute rigorous, reflective, and impactful educational research.
Building on previous research packages, this module enables students to independently conduct research in Assessment and Quality Assurance. Learners explore their identity as reflexive researchers and practitioners committed to enhancing assessment practices and maintaining educational standards. With supervisor guidance, they critically engage with ethical issues and context-specific methodologies. Students address research questions developed in previous modules. By producing a research article, they generate meaningful, rigorous, context-specific conclusions and make an original contribution to knowledge, supporting innovation in assessment and quality assurance.
The University of Hertfordshire offers a huge variety of postgraduate courses across 19 subject areas, from creative art...
