Master of Research in Education - Assessment and Quality Assurance

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 students with the expertise to critically examine how assessment, evaluation, and quality assurance practices shape teaching, learning, and policy across education systems. It is 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. Students 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 them 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. It deepens their understanding of educational theory and practice, enabling them to contribute evidence-based improvements to teaching, learning, and policy. Students work with academics who are leading authorities in their areas of research, many of whom have extensive educational experience. The academic staff support students in their learning and in applying research techniques to real-world educational issues, including measuring learning outcomes, evaluating quality, and improving educational standards. At the University of Hertfordshire, students become part of a vibrant research community in education, with opportunities to attend seminars, conferences, and interest groups, and to contribute to conversations shaping the future of education. They also have access to the University’s Researcher Development Programme, which provides additional training in advanced skills that support both their studies and future career. This two-year full-time programme is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to: study a range of research methods in educational assessment and quality assurance, gaining insights into how these shape teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness develop a unique set of skills in evaluation, accreditation, educational measurement, and quality systems, building competencies that are transferable across schools, colleges, higher education, training providers, and policy bodies obtain a world-recognised master's degree in education and progress to doctoral study (PhD/EdD) or a career in educational research, quality assurance, policy development, or institutional leadership. The modules are taught by experts in assessment, evaluation, and education research design, who combine both theoretical and applied perspectives. In the first year, students take modules on key concepts in education, critical review of literature, and research design, which equip them with the tools to analyse debates and practices in assessment and quality assurance. Students also begin developing their research proposal, which forms the foundation for their independent major research project in the second year. This project, supported by a dedicated supervisory team, provides an opportunity to explore a chosen topic in depth and develop specialist expertise in quality assurance and education research. Teaching is delivered through a combination of study days, online activities, research seminars, and one-to-one supervision. Assessment methods are varied and designed to reflect real research practice, including literature reviews, research proposals, viva-style discussions, and the final dissertation.