Master in Research Methodology (MRM)
The Master in Research Methodology (MRM) program specializes in research paradigms, methodologies and methods that are relevant across all disciplines. The student's choice of a research problem to investigate influences the Faculty under which they are enrolled.
The MRM program is offered in blended learning mode. Students take two units a semester and complete the program in two and a half or three years. Students are required to participate in a one-week residential component per unit in each semester and are expected to have their own personal laptop and reliable internet connectivity.
An optional Week O is offered for all new intakes in Semester 1. It covers registration, orientation, ICT skills, Moodle training, academic writing, APA referencing and library skills to prepare students for their academic studies.
The MRM Program aims to produce graduates capable of undertaking research using appropriate research methods. The skills gained are ideal for students wishing to pursue doctoral studies at a later date.
Divine Word University offers excellent, modern, residential, teaching and ICT facilities in a beautiful, friendly and peaceful environment.
Applicants must normally hold a Bachelor's degree with an average grade of Credit or higher. English writing skills are essential and applicants may also be asked to demonstrate their English writing skills before being accepted.
- K100 non-refundable application fee.
- K3,500 per unit per semester for tuition, internet access when on campus and supervisory services. A semester comprises two to three units.
- Current fee for on-campus accommodation and meals is K2,800 per fortnight (K200 per day).
- An additional fee of K1,400 is charged for Week O. Travel, accommodation and meals are additional.
- An extra fee of K20 per student is charged for each airport shuttle.
Each unit has a 15-credit-point value except the Research Dissertation, which has 30 credit points. Students must gain 150 credit points to be eligible to graduate with the award.
This unit introduces students to the foundation documents for multidisciplinary research in Papua New Guinea. By the end of the unit, students should know where to find background information for any research topic.
This unit explores key research theories and paradigms and their suitability in particular situations. Students investigate scientific, social and indigenous research, study qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research tools, and explore the contexts in which they are used.
This unit helps students master the skills needed to select and critique relevant research literature that informs their research topics and to make sense of the discussions presented in that literature.
This unit introduces ethical concepts and theories that underpin applied ethical decision-making in research involving human participants. It also examines the historical and legal context that makes ethics relevant to research today.
This unit assists candidates to define, plan and develop a research proposal in their respective fields that meets the requirements of the University's Research Ethics Committee.
This unit builds on RM610 by focusing on quantitative research approaches, methods and techniques. It introduces the main quantitative approaches and the methods students can adopt when designing a quantitative study for their research project.
This unit builds on RM610 by focusing on qualitative approaches such as ethnography, action research, phenomenological research, narrative research and grounded theory. It also covers data-collection instruments, data analysis and ethical considerations.
This unit focuses on organizing, coding and displaying fieldwork data for analysis and interpretation. Students become familiar with techniques for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods data presentation and analysis.
Students work closely with their supervisor so that the research process, data analysis and interpretation are mentored and monitored. The unit concludes with the production and examination of a dissertation of no more than 20,000 words.