Short course
Writing Your Methodology
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Online or Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Dates and time:
19/08/2026 - 19/08/202611:00 - 13:00
Study format:
Online - live
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 (those not studying at Oxford University) who are applying for, or are currently enrolled on, a PhD programme.
The session runs in a hybrid format – so you can join us in person, in Oxford, or attend online.
This session is part of our Graduate School programme of research skills training. To stay informed of future courses and training events, sign up to receive email updates.
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 Oxford Lifelong Learning, Department for Continuing Education.
Alistair Beecher is Co-Director of the Graduate School and a history tutor at Oxford Lifelong Learning, 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 run again each year since.
Each session is independent of each other and can be applied for separately, although a fee reduction is available for anyone applying for all six sessions.
All sessions can be attended either in Oxford or online.
Learn more about the other individual sessions on offer as part of this series:
- Academic Reading: Approach and Critique
- Halfway Down the Stairs: Research Approaches
- Writing an Abstract
- Improving Your Presentations
- Research Interviews: Styles and Techniques
- Postgraduate Research Skills Training Sessions (discounted package)
Recommended reading
Saunders, M. and Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2003) The Research Process ‘Onion’. Research Methods for Business Students. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. p 36
Upon successful completion of this session, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford.
After the session, 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 fees.
If you register for all 6 sessions a discount of 20% is available. To obtain this discount please apply for the discounted package.
Learn more about the other individual sessions on offer as part of this series:
Module code: T26P018GSP
This session is aimed at external postgraduates (those not studying at Oxford University) 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.
How to apply
To apply for this session, please select the green ‘apply’ button.
Application deadline
Applications will close at 9am UK time on Wednesday 12 August 2026.