Discover the best online courses for research methods to enhance your research skills and take them to the next level.
Research methods are critical to any research study, and they require specialized skills and knowledge. However, not everyone has access to high-quality research method courses, especially those living in remote areas or who cannot afford to attend traditional classes in person.
Fortunately, online learning has revolutionized education and made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to access high-quality courses from the comfort of their own home.
In recent years, there has been an explosion in the availability of online research methods courses, making it easier than ever before to learn the necessary skills and techniques for conducting research studies.
In this article, we will explore some of the best online courses for research methods. We will examine the different types of courses available, from introductory to advanced levels, and highlight some of the features that make each course unique.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher, here are some free online courses that will support research training and scientific research. With this guide, you’ll be able to find the best online course for your needs and take your research skills to the next level.
Our selection is based on a combination of factors, but we have sorted the courses by enrollment numbers to make a list more informative. The ranking number (#1 or #10) reflects only the number of enrollments among the best courses.
| Course | Instructor(s) | 💸Pricing | ❤️Enrollments | ⭐Rating | ⌛Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Understanding Research Methods | Dr. J. Simon Rofe +2 more instructors | Free ($49 for a verified certified) | ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 280,784 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (6,609 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛ 5 hours |
| #2. Qualitative Research Methods | Gerben Moerman | Subscription: $39/month | ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 94,693 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (1,222 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛⌛⌛⌛ 23 hours |
| #3. Research Methods and Sources | David Baldacci | $15/month | ❤️❤️❤️24,098 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.7 (15,487 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛3 hours 46 minutes) |
| #4. Introduction to Psychological Research Methods | Blake McKimmie and Wen Wu | $199 | ❤️❤️❤️22,906 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐2.8 (1,279 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛1–2 hours/ week (7 Weeks) |
| #5. Essentials of Research Methodology | Mosab AlNour | Free ($22.52 for certificate) | ❤️❤️10,434 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (2,096 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛ 1.5-3 hours |
| #6. Academic Research Methodology for Master’s Students | Joanne Carlier | $39.99/month | ❤️7,059 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.5 (35 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛3 hours per week (3 weeks) |
| #7. Education Research That Matters: Ways of Researching | University of Birmingham | $39.99/month | ❤️6,009 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.8 (34 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛3 hours per week (One-month) |
| #8. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint | André Klapper | $74.99 | ❤️5,883 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4.6 (659 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛7.5 hours |
| #9. Research Methods and Statistics: An Introduction | Monk Prayogshala | $124.99 | ❤️4,312 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐4.4 (759 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛⌛ 7.5 hours |
| #10. Research Methods For Business Students | Robert Barcik | $69.99 | ❤️3,752 enrollments (as of Feb 2023) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐4.2 (802 reviews as of Feb 2023) | ⌛3.5 hours |
Table of Contents
#1. Understanding Research Methods by Coursera
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($49 for a verified certified)
- ❤️ Popularity: 280,784 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.6 (6,609 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Dr. J. Simon Rofe, SOAS, University of London +2 more instructors (Simon is a widely experienced university lecturer who has taught Diplomacy, International Relations, and History to undergraduates and postgraduates for over fifteen years.)
- ⌛ Duration: 5 hours
Understanding Research Methods is free online course offered by Coursera that provides learners with a broad overview of research methodology.
Learners will also gain an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research and learn how to apply these principles in their work.
The course is self-paced, allowing learners to complete the modules at their own pace, and it includes quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.
The course is taught by experienced researchers with expertise in research methodology, ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education.
Overall, Understanding Research Methods is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to develop a comprehensive understanding of research methodology.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#2. Qualitative Research Methods by Coursera
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Subscription: $39/month
- ❤️ Popularity: 94,693 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.6 (1,222 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Gerben Moerman (He specializes in qualitative research and qualitative data and analysis, such as approaches like Grounded Theory, Discourse Analysis, and Ethnomethodology.)
- ⌛ Duration: 23 hours
Qualitative Research Methods is an online course offered by Coursera that provides learners with an introduction to qualitative research.
Learners will also gain an understanding of the various philosophical and theoretical frameworks that underpin qualitative research, as well as the ethical considerations involved in conducting research.
The course is taught by experienced researchers with expertise in qualitative research, ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education.
Overall, the Qualitative Research Methods course is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to develop their qualitative research skills and knowledge.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#3. Research Methods and Sources, Part 1 by Masterclass
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $15/month
- ❤️ Popularity: 24,098 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.7 (15,487 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): David Baldacci (David Baldacci has captured the attention of readers worldwide. As the author of 38 bestselling novels, he now shares his techniques for crafting authentic characters, developing research-based plots, and navigating the publishing industry.)
- ⌛ Duration: 3 hours 46 minutes)
Research Methods and Sources, Part 1 is a course that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to conduct effective research.
The course covers a range of research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.
Students learn about the research process, from developing research questions and hypotheses to analyzing data and reporting findings.
The course introduces students to various sources of information, such as academic journals, books, and online databases.
Through this course, students develop critical thinking and research skills that are essential for academic success and professional development.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#4. Introduction to Psychological Research Methods by edX
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $199
- ❤️ Popularity: 22,906 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 2.8 (1,279 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Blake McKimmie and Wen Wu ( Blake is responsible for teaching a sizable introductory psychology course and a second-year elective focused on the intersection of psychology and law.)
- ⌛ Duration: 1–2 hours/ week (7 Weeks)
Introduction to Psychological Research Methods is a course that provides an overview of the various research methods used in psychology.
The course covers the basics of experimental design, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations in research. Students learn how to develop research questions, design studies, collect and analyze data, and report their findings.
This course also introduces students to the use of technology in research, such as online surveys and digital data collection tools.
Through this course, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for conducting research in psychology.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#5. Essentials of Research Methodology by Alison
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: Free ($22.52 for certificate)
- ❤️ Popularity: 10,434 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.6 (2,096 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Mosab AlNour (His interests include teaching topics such as medicinal and organic chemistry, pharmacy, drug discovery, design, and development.)
- ⌛ Duration: 1.5-3 hours
Essentials of Research Methodology is an online course that provides learners with a foundational understanding of research methodology.
The course covers topics such as research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the various philosophical and theoretical frameworks that underpin research.
Learners will also gain an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research and learn how to apply these principles in their work.
The course is self-paced, allowing learners to complete the modules at their own pace, and it includes quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.
Overall, Essentials of Research Methodology is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to develop their research skills and knowledge, whether they are a beginner or an experienced researcher seeking to refresh their skills.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#6. Academic Research Methodology for Master’s Students by Futurelearn
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $39.99/month
- ❤️ Popularity: 7,059 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.5 (35 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Joanne Carlier (She is an Assistant Professor in HRM and OB, possessing a BA (Hons) in Business, a PG Cert in Management Research Methods, a Ph.D. in Work and Organizational Psychology, an MCIPD, and an FHEA.)
- ⌛ Duration: 3 hours per week (3 weeks)
Academic Research Methodology for Master’s Students is an online course that provides learners with an in-depth understanding of research methodology at the graduate level.
The course covers topics such as research design, literature review, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the various philosophical and theoretical frameworks that underpin research in the social sciences.
Learners will also gain an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research and learn how to apply these principles in their work.
The course is taught by experienced researchers with expertise in the social sciences, ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#7. Education Research That Matters: Ways of Researching by Fututrelearn
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $39.99/month
- ❤️ Popularity: 6,009 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.8 (34 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): The University of Birmingham (The University of Birmingham is a public research university that is consistently listed as a leading UK university and is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.)
- ⌛ Duration: 3 hours per week (One-month)
Education Research That Matters: Ways of Researching is an online course offered by Future Learn that focuses on developing the research skills of educators and professionals in the education sector.
The course covers various topics, such as research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with a focus on applying these concepts to real-world education scenarios.
Learners will also gain an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research and learn how to apply these principles in their work. The course is taught by experienced educators and researchers, ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education.
The course is designed for both beginners and intermediate learners, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to develop their research skills and knowledge in the education sector.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#8. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint by Udemy
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $74.99
- ❤️ Popularity: 5,883 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.6 (659 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): André Klapper (His mission is to share their experience with other people and help them to get the most out of themselves. He has courses on Research, Psychology, and Neuroscience.)
- ⌛ Duration: 7.5 hours
Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint is an online course that provides learners with a comprehensive guide to planning and executing a research project from start to finish.
The course covers topics such as research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as how to write a research proposal and report.
Learners will also gain an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in conducting research and learn how to apply these principles in their work.
The course is self-paced, allowing learners to complete the modules at their own pace, and it includes quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#9. Research Methods and Statistics: An Introduction by Udemy
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $124.99
- ❤️ Popularity: 4,312 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.4 (759 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Monk Prayogshala (He is composed of a team of research authors, assistants, and interns who are currently working in the areas of psychological and economic academic research.)
- ⌛ Duration: 7.5 hours
Research Methods and Statistics: An Introduction is an online course offered by Udemy that provides learners with a comprehensive overview of research methods and statistics.
The course covers topics such as research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation. Learners will also gain an understanding of the importance of research ethics and learn how to apply these principles in their research.
The course is delivered through a combination of video lectures and interactive exercises, allowing learners to practice their skills and apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios.
The course is designed for both beginners and intermediate learners, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to develop their research skills and knowledge.
Overall, Research Methods and Statistics: An Introduction is a highly-rated course that offers excellent value for money.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
#10. Research Methods For Business Students by Udemy
Key info
- 🔗Course Link
- 💸Pricing: $69.99
- ❤️ Popularity: 3,752 enrollments (as of Feb 2023)
- ⭐ Rating: 4.2 (802 reviews as of Feb 2023)
- 📝 Instructor(s): Robert Barcik ( During his five years in Swedish academia and five years within Austrian banking groups, he understood that having an intuitive and authentic understanding of the field counts the most to deliver worthwhile projects.)
- ⌛ Duration: 3.5 hours
Research Methods for Business Students is a comprehensive online course designed to teach learners the fundamentals of research methodology in a business context.
The course covers various topics, such as research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with a focus on applying these concepts to real-world business scenarios.
The course is designed for both undergraduate and graduate business students and is delivered through a combination of video lectures, readings, and interactive exercises.
Learners will also have the opportunity to practice their skills through case studies and research projects. The course is taught by experts in the field of business research, ensuring that learners receive a high-quality education that will prepare them for a business career.
Meet the instructor:
What you will learn:
Final Words
The availability of online learning has made it easier than ever before for individuals to gain access to high-quality research methods courses.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher, there are online courses available that can help you develop your skills and knowledge in research methodology.
From comprehensive courses that cover the entire research process to more specialized courses that focus on specific aspects of research methods, the options are vast and diverse.
Through this guide, we have explored some of the best online courses for research methods, highlighting the features that make each course unique. By choosing one of these courses, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to conduct high-quality research studies and achieve your goals.
So why wait? Take the first step towards becoming a skilled researcher by enrolling in one of these excellent courses today.
