MRS Launches New Qualification

The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) has formally launched its new introductory qualification in market and social research, in partnership with City & Guilds, the UK's leading awarding body for work-based qualifications.

The MRS / City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Market and Social Research has been devised specifically for non-market research professionals, in particular those commissioning research of working in field. It aims to 'provide a basic grounding in the core skills of the profession and broaden awareness and understanding of the research process'.

Other stated targets are business studies students - as an introduction to a potential career - and small business owners who are interested in undertaking small-scale research themselves. According to Ben Knight, Head of ICT and Business at City & Guilds, the Certificate is said to be in part a response to growing use of research as a guide to future strategy by small businesses: 'Managers, if not familiar with the correct research processes as well as the pitfalls, can easily fall into the trap of using incorrect data and information which in turn could lead to unsuitable business decisions'.

Candidates can follow either of two routes: full-time or part-time courses at City & Guilds approved centres or online study via the MRS distance learning programme - MRS Market Research - An Introduction. The course requires an estimated 60 hours of study and is assessed via one examination containing 40 multiple-choice questions. It has three core units:

• Introduction to Market Research
• Designing a research project - learning the tools of the trade
• Completing a research project.

Karen Adams, Professional Development Manager at the MRS says the partnership 'opens up the opportunity for greater numbers of people than ever before to obtain a qualification in market research'.

The MRS' web site is at www.mrs.org.uk and City & Guilds' at www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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