Writing Your Methodology



Overview

Whether you are doing a scientific, social science or humanities thesis, or writing a creative arts dissertation, you need to clearly explain and described how you have come to know the world or gained knowledge of it. This is typically achieved in the methodology chapter. 

This chapter is vital. It will ultimately demonstrate your ability to synthesise information, from your academic field, to design original research and to answer your research question(s).

In this session we will examine how, as independent scholars, we can come to know and inform others about each unique approach to original research through various methodologies. This will be achieved in two ways: 

  • by scrutinising different methodologies situated in various paradigms; and 
  • by reflectively examining, discussing and describing your own methodological approach. 

This session is aimed at external postgraduates who are applying for, or are currently enrolled on, a PhD programme.

Part of a series of five research skills training sessions. You can apply for this session individually or as part of a discounted package deal with the other four sessions.

Programme details

Key learning outcomes

  • To appreciate the vital role and value of a methodology.  
  • To conceptualise what underpins a good methodology in different research disciplines.
  • To reflexively think about the methodological framework through your own research paradigm.  

Tutors

Sarah Frodsham is Co-Director of the Graduate School and Chair of Ethics at the Department of Continuing Education.

Alistair Beecher is Co-Director of the Graduate School and a history tutor at the Department for Continuing Education.

About our research skills training sessions

In 2024 we launched a trial series of research skills sessions open to postgraduate researchers external to the University and, due to the sucess of these, the sessions have been expanded for spring 2025.

Taking place in April 2025, each session is independent of each other and can be applied for separately, although a fee reduction of 20% is available for anyone applying for all five sessions (£300 instead of £375 if booked individually).

All sessions can be attended either in Oxford or online.

Other sessions on offer:

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Fees

Description Costs
Fee for this training session £75.00

Payment

Successful applicants will be emailed an invoice for the training session fee. 

Discount package

This session is part of a series of five research skills training sessions. You can apply for this session individually or as part of a discounted package deal with the other four sessions (£300 instead of £375 if all booked individually).

Application

This session is aimed at postgraduate students who are applying for or are currently enrolled on a PhD programme.

Applicants must submit a current CV which will allow the course tutors to assess your suitability for this training session.

To apply for this session, please select the green 'apply' button at the top of this page.

Discount package

This session is part of a series of five research skills training sessions. You can apply for this session individually, by selecting the green 'apply' button at the top of this page, or as part of a discounted package deal with the other four sessions (£300 instead of £375 if all booked individually).

Learn more about the other individual sessions on offer as part of this series:

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support