Research Skills

Develop the skills for independent research at school and university.

Course Director: Emily Houghton

Head of Digital Teaching Resources, Eton College
View Study Options

Course overview

Our Research Skills Course develops your ability to conduct independent research that goes far beyond your textbooks or basic internet searches. You will learn how to gather information from a wide range of credible resources and how to structure the research process. You will learn about tools and techniques to save you time and how to reference your sources correctly.

Syllabus

1

Good Research

  • The research process
  • Why you shouldn’t only use a popular search engine
  • Recognising your biases

2

Planning Your Research

  • Defining the information needed
  • Managing your time
  • Saving research and organising notes

3

Finding Resources

  • Different search platforms
  • Refining your search
  • Techniques for evaluating resources

4

Using Resources

  • Strategies for reading for different purposes
  • Drawing conclusions and synthesising different sources

5

Referencing

  • How to write research up
  • Academic honesty
  • Referencing sources and creating a bibliography

6

Presenting Your Findings

  • Best types of outputs
  • Using visual aids

Research Skills – learning outcomes

 

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • define your information need
  • manage your research time
  • organise your research in the most efficient way
  • use critical reading techniques
  • use advanced search features
  • write up your research
  • convey your findings in a credible way
  • reference sources correctly.

Study options

Self-Study

Self-paced, independent learning that students complete at their own pace.

This is a flexible option which students can fit around school and other extracurricular commitments.

See how it works >

  • 7–10 hours of learning materials
  • Diagnostic test to measure skill level
  • Progress dashboard
  • Certificate of completion

Course Pack

This course is also available as part of our 'Elevate your Learning' Course Pack

Important information

Safeguarding

As part of our rigorous safeguarding procedures, all EtonX tutors and staff have passed an enhanced DBS check and child safeguarding course.

Privacy and data

We take every step to ensure the security of your personal data. For information on how we collect and use your data, see our Privacy Policy.

Technical requirements

To ensure you have the best experience, there are some minimum requirements – click here to check if your device meets these.

Entry requirements

The minimum level of English required to participate in our courses is Upper Intermediate or B2 on the CEFR.

My favourite part was the amount I have learnt. It has been so informative, and I will take on board all of the tips and tricks, not only in my research project, but to aid me in the future.
Aizah, Research Skills, UK

Free access for state schools

If you’re a state school student in the UK aged 13 or over, you get free access to all of our courses. No catch. Start building your skills today!

Not in the State Sector?

Don't worry - you can still purchase a 12 month subscription! Individual and bulk school licence purchases are available.