What will I gain from taking this course online?

You will have greater flexibility in where and when you study. You will still be taught by experienced researchers from the EPPI-Centre in London. See the main Research synthesis for policy and practice webpage for the course aims and content.

When will the course run next?

In 2009, the course starts on 5 October with a one week induction course. The induction introduces you to the course software and how to use it, to tutors and your fellow students, and to interacting in an online environment.

If you are taking the course for Masters level credits then you will have a study period of up to one year to allow you to complete your coursework.

How many hours will I need to study per week?

We estimate that you will need to study between 10-14 hours each week.

How will I study?

This online course will take place in a Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. When you register for the course, you will be given full access and information on how to get started. All learning materials, activities and exchanges with your fellow students and tutor will take place within Blackboard.

Every two weeks, you will cover a new ‘unit’. Instructions on what to do, and by when, will be sent to you electronically. Over each 'unit', you will carry out a set of learning activities. You will be able to carry out these activities at your own pace and at times of your own choosing so long as you complete the specified tasks by the deadlines set. There are no set times to be online, although these may be organised if there is demand during the course.

Typical activities include:

• Developing a review question on a topic of your own choice and receiving comments from fellow students and the course tutor
• Having a go at key stages of a systematic review, followed by group discussions about the process
• Reading a journal article and identifying key themes
• Posting comments and observations on your own reading and learning and providing feedback to other students
• Drafting short summaries on a topic, sometimes on your own, sometimes with fellow students

What materials will I get?

All course materials (such as research articles, activity sheets or podcasts) will be available on Blackboard or from open access websites. Participation in the course includes access to EPPI-Reviewer, the EPPI-Centre’s specialized software. You will be able to download or stream these materials onto your computer. A small number of articles may be sent to you by post.

What support will I get throughout the course?

You will work closely throughout the course with highly trained, experienced tutors and administrators from the Institute of Education. You will have access to a range of additional information and student support services from the Institute of Education.

Assessment

If you are taking this course for M level credits, your assessment will consist of two pieces of work: one structured description and analysis of a pair of systematic reviews; and one critical comparative essay of these reviews (1,500 words). Your assignment can be submitted online via Blackboard.

Fees

For advice on fees for the 2009/10 academic year, contact the course administrator: k.reynolds@ioe.ac.uk. The course will only run if there is a viable cohort of students. Standard Fees for the Academic year 2008/9 are here.

What are the entrance requirements?

Click here to see the academic, technical and language requirements for this course.

How do I book?

Contact Kim Reynolds by email k.reynolds@ioe.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7612 6280. Please read our course fees and booking procedures.