This Postgraduate Diploma is an intensive accelerated pre-doctoral programme for those requiring training in social science research methods. It provides entry to either the MPhil/PhD or, for suitable candidates, to year two of the EdD programme. It is aimed at professionals who have an interest in developing research skills in any of the social science disciplinary areas covered by the UCL Doctoral Training Partnership.
Students on this programme learn how to develop and critically evaluate research questions; gain an understanding of social science research methodologies and links between these methodologies and research questions; select appropriate social science research methods to explore identified research questions; enhance their knowledge of different forms of research proposal and the complexities of funding applications; assess their own suitability for further research degree studies.
Students undertake modules to the value of 120 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (each 30 credits).
The programme is intentionally available only as a diploma
Core modules
All modules are core (compulsory)
Optional modules
Optional modules are non credit-bearing. Students wishing to learn more about quantitative or qualitative data analysis should enrol on the optional module listed below, or on a qualitative data analysis programme at an appropriate level, where applicable.
Dissertation/report
Students are not expected to submit a dissertation for this programme.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of face-to-face seminars and online asynchronous and synchronous discussion forums. Students also learn about the practicalities of social science research through participation in a research project. Peer review and andragogy are particular forms of learning on this programme.
Assessment is through the equivalent of a 5,000-word assignment for each module.
Fieldwork
For module three, students undertake a small-scale research project which may involve fieldwork (some students elect to analyse policy documents or undertake systematic reviews).
It is unlikely that there will be costs for this aspect of the programme as it is envisaged that students will undertake fieldwork in their place of work, or within the locale of UCL or their home.
Placement
Students complete a research placement for module two of the programme. This placement is with a live research project under the supervision of a placement supervisor. The placement is as closely aligned to students' own areas of research interest as possible. However, this alignment will depend on what live projects are currently underway at the specified time. The placement may involve fieldwork but equally could involve the reviewing of literature, a research proposal or data analysis.
It may be necessary to travel into London to meet with your placement provider or to another venue if your placement involves fieldwork.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Social Science Research Methods PG Dip
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
The aims of the programme are to familiarise students with social science research, to enhance their prospects of becoming a social science researcher in a professional capacity, or to gain direct access to PhD or EdD study. It supports students in writing ESRC studentship proposals, and alumni from the programme have secured such funding.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Students will gain the skills to become social science researchers and research assistants, or to progress to postgraduate research.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain social science research methods training applicable across any of the UCL Doctoral Training Partnership social science disciplines.
It allows access to the MPhil/PhD at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) and gives exemptions from both taught year one methods modules on the EdD. Successful students will be allowed to commence year two of the EdD on completion of just one taught year one module, Foundations of Professionalism (this will be simultaneous to starting year two).
Placements offer opportunities to become engaged with live research projects and access experienced research teams. Placement providers often become students' PhD or EdD supervisors. Previous students have been successful in securing ESRC funding for postgraduate research and have enhanced their professional roles as researchers.
Our MSc Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) programme will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key methodological and philosophical debates that shape the social sciences, and equip you with the specialised research tools and skills that useful in business and management.
Accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), our prestigious Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) MSc degree is designed for those of you who wish to be able to conduct management and business research to MSc level, either in a professional capacity or as a route to further study at PhD level.
On completion of our Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies), you will have met the training requirements for PhD funding from the ESRC, opening up the possibility of securing PhD funding from the ESRC.
Our Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) programme is taught by experienced and internationally recognised researchers. The strong emphasis on applying qualitative and quantitative skills to tackle research problems – as well as a focus on developing critical thinking skills – will provide a robust foundation for more advanced academic study or research, whilst sharpening the applied research skills of current or aspiring business and management practitioners.
If you choose to study Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies), you will be based at a school that is a leading international player in research and teaching across the business, management, and finance disciplines. The School of Business and Economics is consistently rated as a Top-10 UK business school by national league tables and develops well-rounded, highly employable graduates at undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, executive and doctoral level.
The School’s research is comprehensive in scope and very highly regarded by academics and practitioners alike, with 75% of our output considered ‘world-leading’ or 'internationally relevant' (and 100% of our Information Management research rated 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'), according to the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
When coupled with the fact that Loughborough is among the Top 1% of business schools in the world to hold AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, the School of Business and Economics provides a dynamic and inspiring environment to undertake the MSc Social Science Research.
Our MSc Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) programme is designed for graduates wishing to pursue a career in academia; practitioners in management and business, who wish to both develop and strengthen their applied research skills; or those wishing to conduct research in non-academic public and private sector roles, such as think-tanks.
Our Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) MSc programmes are designed to enable you to develop rigorous research and analytical skills, who are well equipped to progress onto being high level researchers in their chosen field of study.
Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) covers a wide range of topics; please visit the website to see an up to date list.
The School of Business and Economics is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.
Accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), this prestigious MSc degree in Social Science Research (Business and Management Studies) is designed for those who wish to be able to conduct management and business research to MSc level, either in a professional capacity or as a route to further study at PhD level.
The strong emphasis on applying qualitative and quantitative skills to tackle research problems – as well as a focus on developing critical thinking skills – will provide a robust foundation for more advanced academic study or research, whilst sharpening the applied research skills of current or aspiring business and management practitioners.
This programme provides practical, career-orientated training in social science research methods, including research design, data collection and data analysis relating to both qualitative and quantitative modes of inquiry.
Students will have the opportunity to specialise in particular methodologies and to learn more about the application of these methodologies to illuminate important issues and debates in contemporary society.
The programme is designed to provide a fundamental grounding in both quantitative and qualitative research skills, along with the opportunity to specialise in more advanced training in quantitative research, qualitative research or in practical applications of research techniques.
Semester 1
This module offers an introduction to the different styles of social science research as well as guidance and illustrations of how to operationalize research questions and assess them empirically. Students will be shown how to conduct systematic literature searches and how to manage empirical research projects. The module will also explore issues around the ethics of social science research as well as the connection between social science research and policy concerns. It is designed as preparation for undertaking postgraduate research and dissertation work.
This module aims to deepen students' understanding of key debates in social theory and research, providing advanced level teaching for those building upon basic knowledge and undertaking postgraduate research. It is designed to demonstrate and explore how social theory is utilised, critiqued and developed through the pursuit of social science research.
The purpose of this module is to illuminate the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research. The module will discuss the impact of various theories on the nature and conduct of qualitative research particularly around questions of epistemology and ontology. The role of different types of interviewing in qualitative research will be utilised in order to explore the relationship between theory and methods.
The aim of the module is to provide a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of measurement and constructing quantitative data in the social sciences. Through lectures and practical exercises, this module will provide students with relevant knowledge of secondary data sources and large datasets, their respective uses and usefulness, and their relevance for the study of contemporary social issues
The module will provide students with an overview of different approaches to qualitative data analysis. It will include introductory training to this skill that includes such techniques as thematic analysis and discourse analysis, as well as computer assisted qualitative data analysis. It will provide the knowledge necessary for the informed use of the qualitative data analysis software package NVivo. The module gives students a base level introduction to the analytical and technical skills in qualitative data analysis appropriate to the production of a Master's dissertation and/or use of CAQDAS software for social science research purposes.
This module provides an introduction to the basics of quantitative data analysis. The module will begin with a brief review of basic univariate and bivariate statistical procedures as well as cover data manipulation techniques. The module is taught through a series of seminars and practical workshops. These two strands are interwoven within each teaching session. Please note that students may be granted an exemption from this module if they have already successfully completed a module that has the equivalent learning outcomes.
This module advances students' confidence and knowledge in the use of SPSS. The module focuses on multivariate regression models, including the appropriate use and awareness of statistical assumptions underlying regression and the testing and refinement of such models.
A dissertation of no more than 15,000 words on a topic relevant to social science research methods training. The thesis will involve either carrying out and reporting on a small social science research project which includes a full and considered description and discussion of the research methods employed or the discussion of a research issue or technique to a level appropriate for publication.
We offer a range of advanced modules in quantitative and qualitative research methods, for example, logistic regression, internet-based research and visual research methods. We also provide specialist modules which reflect the teaching team’s diverse research interests, from the social logic of emotional life to conflict and change in divided societies. Optional modules generally run during the Spring semester and are offered subject to sufficient student demand and staff availability. Students will be able to choose a maximum of three to four option modules (depending on whether they need to complete Quantitative Data Analysis: Foundational). Please note that it is unlikely that all the following modules will be available for 2017/8. Please check with the Programme Director for queries about specific modules.
School Direct (Tuition Fee) is a route into teaching at both primary and secondary levels. Trainees join other student teachers on the established Social Science PGCE programme at the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), whilst undertaking their teaching experience at their host school or alliance.
We draw on current research at the IOE and elsewhere to inform a student's social science teaching, encouraging them to engage with recent debates, literature and policy in the field. Our underlying aim is to develop students as reflective and highly skilled teachers. As a 14-19 programme, there is an explicit focus on teaching examination classes in an interactive way.
Students undertake two Master’s-level (level 7) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at the IOE.
The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.
Completion of the Professional Practice module and the two level 7 (Master’s level) modules (60 credits) will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Completion of the Professional Practice module and one or two level 6 (undergraduate/Bachelor’s level) modules, will lead to the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE).
Core modules
Optional modules
Placement
You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with sociology and psychology mentors who support you through your two school placements. Social Science Student Teachers will teach their main social science subject (usually sociology and/or psychology) at AS and possibly A level. At GCSE, most student teachers teach sociology and some teach psychology. In some placements there are opportunities to contribute to relevant vocational qualifications and Key Stage 3 humanities.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placement at the host school or alliance. Assessment is by the observation of practical teaching, assignments and a portfolio (which links into continuing professional development in the induction year).
Further information on modules and programme structure is available on the department website: School Direct (Tuition Fee): Social Science
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as sociology and psychology teachers, while others have jobs as heads of department and heads of year. Graduates in this area can also be found working as senior leaders and teachers in charge of subject.
Recent career destinations for this programme
Employability
Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme is a springboard into a rewarding career, not just as a skilled teacher, but as an educational leader.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The Social Science PGCE prepares students to teach the social sciences across the 14–19 age range in a flexible and exciting way. Tutors are committed to promoting interactive teaching and learning in their sessions; a collaborative ethos is encouraged so that PGCE students share materials, resources and ideas.
Tutors on the Social Science PGCE are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience in secondary schools and colleges, as well as in school leadership, inspection, educational research and consultancy.
Students participate in a range of lectures, workshops and seminars designed to enhance their development as a teacher. These highly interactive sessions will cover how children learn, assessment, lesson planning, behaviour management and subject-specific matters.
During their teaching practice placements, students benefit from our partnership with over 200 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond, which enables each of our students to become a skilled and confident teacher in their chosen subject specialism.
Accreditation:
This route leads to the award of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
The Environmental Social Science programme is interdepartmental and benefits from expertise found across the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Social science perspectives are crucial to understanding and solving environmental problems. Human behaviour produces many elements of the ‘natural’ environment, from landscapes to floods and famines. Local and national policies and international agreements regulate the environmental practices of corporations, governments and households. The social sciences have a great deal to contribute to understanding what have become defined as environmental issues, and what measures can most effectively tackle them.
Environmental Social Science draws on contributions from the study of Anthropology, Conservation and Ecology, Law, Social Policy and Sociology.
Visit the website https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/13/environmental-social-science
This interdisciplinary programme introduces you to social science perspectives on environmental issues. It draws on sociology, politics, social policy, anthropology and law. The dissertation is a chance for you to make a specialised study of a topic that interests you, and we encourage first-hand research. The programme is suitable for graduates with a wide range of first degrees.
You take compulsory modules alongside optional modules of your choice. Modules may include:
This programme aims to:
Building on Kent’s success as the region’s leading institution for student employability, we place considerable emphasis on you gaining specialist knowledge in your chosen subject alongside core transferable skills. We ensure that you develop the skills and competences that employers are looking for including: research and analysis; policy development and interpretation; independent thought; writing and presentation, as well as time management and leadership skills. You also become fully involved in the professional research culture of the School. A postgraduate degree in the area of environmental social science is a particularly flexible and valuable qualification that can lead to many exciting opportunities and professional advancement.
Our graduates obtain a range of transferable skills and report high levels of being in employment or further study within six months of graduation across all of our degree programmes.
Over 98% of Kent's postgraduate students who graduated in 2016 were in work or further study within six months. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue careers in environmental law, community projects, research, education, advocacy and social policy at both local and central government levels.
How to apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/
We offer inspirational teaching and supervision alongside first-class library and IT facilities. You also benefit from our high-impact research in all subjects. Whatever you are looking to study, Kent provides a dynamic and challenging environment for your postgraduate studies.
* of 122 universities, not including specialist institutions
Our Social Science Research (Social Policy) MSc programme provides you with a comprehensive overview of the key methodological and philosophical debates that currently shape social sciences. It also provides an opportunity to develop specialised research methods skills in social policy in an internationally renowned department for Social Policy research.
The Social Science Research (Social Policy) programme consists of compulsory and optional modules, delivered across four different academic schools within the University, which means you benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to your studies. The academic schools involved are:
On completion of the Social Science Research (Social Policy) programme, you will have met the MSc training requirements for PhD funding from the ESRC, opening up the possibility of securing PhD funding from the ESRC. Further information regarding the future career prospects associated with this programme can be found below.
The modules are taught by leading researchers selected for their expertise in the taught research methods and topics.
The Social Policy courses in the Department of Social Sciences at Loughborough Universities are consistently rated in the top-15 UK Social Policy courses by national league tables.
The Department of Social Sciences hosts the prestigious Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) which over the past 30 years has developed an international reputation for high quality applied policy research. Most prominently, CRSP is currently involved in the study of the Minimum Income Standard programme.
The School of Social Political and Geographical Sciences is the home to the Centre for Research in Communication and Culture (CRCC). Established in 1991, the centre has since grown to be one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The CRCC’s core topics themes include:
The programme is in full compliance with the Economic and Social Research Council’s requirements for an MSc in Social Science Research. On completion of the course, you will have met the training requirements for PhD funding from the ESRC, opening up the possibility of securing PhD funding from the ESRC.
Our Social Science Research (Social Policy) MSc programme is designed to produce graduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are well equipped to progress onto being high level researchers in their chosen field of study.
Social Science Research (Social Policy) covers a wide range of topics; please visit the website for a full list of modules.
The Social Science PGCE prepares students to teach the social sciences across the 14–19 age range in a flexible and exciting way. Tutors are committed to promoting interactive teaching and learning in their sessions; a collaborative ethos is encouraged so that PGCE students share materials, resources and ideas.
We draw on current research at the IOE and elsewhere to inform a student's social science teaching, encouraging them to engage with recent debates, literature and policy in the field. Our underlying aim is to develop students as reflective and highly skilled teachers. As a 14-19 programme, there is an explicit focus on teaching examination classes in an interactive way.
Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at the IOE.
The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.
Successful completion of the Professional Practice module and successful completion of the two modules (60 credits) at level 7 will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Where less than 60 credits are achieved at level 7 but are successfully passed at level 6 a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE) will be awarded.
Core modules
Optional modules
Placement
You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with sociology or psychology mentors who support you through your two school placements. Social Science Student Teachers will teach their main social science subject (usually sociology and/or psychology) at AS and possibly A level. At GCSE, most student teachers teach sociology and some teach psychology. In some placements there are opportunities to contribute to relevant vocational qualifications and Key Stage 3 humanities.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.
Students will also record their progress in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of an ongoing portfolio charting the student's continuing professional development.
Further information on modules and programme structure is available on the department website: PGCE Social Science
Bursaries are available for some subject programmes to students who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out what funding may be available to you, please visit the Department for Education funding page.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as sociology and psychology teachers, while others have jobs as heads of department and heads of year. Graduates in this area can also be found working as senior leaders and teachers in charge of subject.
Recent career destinations for this programme
Employability
Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme is a springboard into a rewarding career, not just as a skilled teacher, but as an educational leader.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
Tutors on the Social Science PGCE are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience in secondary schools and colleges, as well as in school leadership, inspection, educational research and consultancy.
Students participate in a range of lectures, workshops and seminars designed to enhance their development as a teacher. These highly interactive sessions will cover how children learn, assessment, lesson planning, behaviour management and subject-specific matters.
During their teaching practice placements, students benefit from our partnership with over 200 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond, which enables each of our students to become a skilled and confident teacher in their chosen subject specialism.
Accreditation:
Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
This programme provides advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences and meets the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
Our MSc in Social Science Research Methods aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences.
You will be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
The course pathways have ESRC recognition and they each provide the appropriate training basis for proceeding to a PhD. These programmes provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive areas of interest at postgraduate level.
International Relations pathway
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Research Methods (International Relations) aims to provide advanced training in research methods. This programme will offer you an opportunity to develop analytical skills, an interdisciplinary knowledge base, and a practical understanding of research in International Relations.
This programme will provide you with:
You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
In order to have meaningful contact with research being conducted by staff in the School, you will be linked to a research group. The Politics and International Relations pathways are closely associated with the operation of the School’s research units and centres. The International Relations pathway is closely associated with the research activities of the International Studies Research Unit (ISRU) which encompasses a wide range of areas.
Distinctive features
You will be supervised by academic staff with considerable expertise in their chosen fields. These staff members are actively involved in disseminating research via publications in academic and practitioner journals, books and presentations to conferences. Many staff members are involved in editing or reviewing for scholarly management journals.
How will I be taught?
Your programme will be made up of scheduled learning activities (including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions) and guided independent study.
You will be expected to actively engage in all the educational activities on your programme of study, to prepare for and attend all scheduled teaching activities, and continue your development as an independent and self-directed learner.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor.
All modules within the programme make use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information on assessment.
This programme provides knowledge and expertise suitable for careers in research and development, business, market studies, public agencies at international, national and local levels, education, teaching and other public services work, and voluntary organisations.
It also provides appropriate training for proceeding to a PhD.
This programme provides advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences and meets the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
Our MSc in Social Science Research Methods aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences.
You will be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
The course pathways have ESRC recognition and they each provide the appropriate training basis for proceeding to a PhD. These programmes provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive areas of interest at postgraduate level.
International Relations pathway
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Research Methods (International Relations) aims to provide advanced training in research methods. This programme will offer you an opportunity to develop analytical skills, an interdisciplinary knowledge base, and a practical understanding of research in International Relations.
This programme will provide you with:
You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
In order to have meaningful contact with research being conducted by staff in the School, you will be linked to a research group. The Politics and International Relations pathways are closely associated with the operation of the School’s research units and centres. The International Relations pathway is closely associated with the research activities of the International Studies Research Unit (ISRU) which encompasses a wide range of areas.
Distinctive features
You will be supervised by academic staff with considerable expertise in their chosen fields. These staff members are actively involved in disseminating research via publications in academic and practitioner journals, books and presentations to conferences. Many staff members are involved in editing or reviewing for scholarly management journals.
How will I be taught?
Your programme will be made up of scheduled learning activities (including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions) and guided independent study.
You will be expected to actively engage in all the educational activities on your programme of study, to prepare for and attend all scheduled teaching activities, and continue your development as an independent and self-directed learner.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor.
All modules within the programme make use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information on assessment.
This programme provides knowledge and expertise suitable for careers in research and development, business, market studies, public agencies at international, national and local levels, education, teaching and other public services work, and voluntary organisations.
It also provides appropriate training for proceeding to a PhD.
Our MSc Applied Social Science course offers you applied training in a number of specialisms. It also provides you with the transferable social science research skills and discipline-specific expertise you need to better understand the:
Our course reflects the needs of a range of students - ranging from those seeking a qualification for employment, to those already pursuing careers who seek to gain further personal development, and for those wishing to pursue academic or research-orientated careers in the social sciences. It is ideal if you are seeking an inter-disciplinary learning and research experience since it combines core subjects within social science including:
You can study for the MSc in Applied Social Science or opt for a specialist named degree.
Please note that the January intake is only available for the Civil Society and Public Affairs pathway only.
Core modules
Core modules include:
Students of the generic Applied Social Science course can also study three specialist electives. You can also specialise within a particular pathway by virtue of the topic/supervision related to the Master's dissertation.
Core modules of specialist named degrees
For students studying for the various named degrees, specialist modules offered include:
Applied Psychology:
Civil Society and Public Affairs:
Criminal Justice and Community Practice:
Global Social Work and Social Policy:
Teaching & Assessment
Learning is within an international context and research underpins all modules across the course. You have the opportunity to work with academics and external partners on research projects.
Your skills development and employability are embedded throughout assessments. Academics who teach on the course draw on their research networks for the benefit of your experience through a combination of field trips to external organisations and the use of guest speakers from external bodies.
Graduates find careers in various specialist roles particularly related to research, campaigning and advocacy across public, private, voluntary and charity sectors.
Part-time students may already be working in roles related to the specialist study areas and use the MSc for career advancement.
This programme provides advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences and meets the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
Our MSc in Social Science Research Methods aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences.
You will be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
The course pathways have ESRC recognition and they each provide the appropriate training basis for proceeding to a PhD. These programmes provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive areas of interest at postgraduate level.
Science and Technology Studies pathway
The Science and Technology Studies pathway through the Social Science Research Methods MSc is suitable for all students with an interest in the social dimensions of science and technology. We have research expertise in a range of substantive and methodological approaches and can offer supervision and training for students interested in:
Distinctive features
You will be supervised by academic staff with considerable expertise in their chosen fields. These staff members are actively involved in disseminating research via publications in academic and practitioner journals, books and presentations to conferences. Many staff members are involved in editing or reviewing for scholarly management journals.
How will I be taught?
Your programme will be made up of scheduled learning activities (including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions) and guided independent study.
You will be expected to actively engage in all the educational activities on your programme of study, to prepare for and attend all scheduled teaching activities, and continue your development as an independent and self-directed learner.
How will I be supported?
All modules within the programme make use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information on assessment. You will be allocated a personal tutor.
This programme provides knowledge and expertise suitable for careers in research and development, business, market studies, public agencies at international, national and local levels, education, teaching and other public services work, and voluntary organisations.
It also provides appropriate training for proceeding to a PhD.
This programme provides advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences and meets the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
Our MSc in Social Science Research Methods aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences.
You will be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
The course pathways have ESRC recognition and they each provide the appropriate training basis for proceeding to a PhD. These programmes provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive areas of interest at postgraduate level.
Social Policy pathway
Research training on the Social Policy pathway builds on our strong interdisciplinary social science research base. You will have the opportunity to engage with nationally and internationally recognised social policy research and work with academic colleagues with extensive experience of undertaking research with policy-makers, practitioners and stakeholders in a wide variety of settings.
You will be encouraged to attend and participate in the activities of our School's research groups. These groups hold regular meetings, providing you with the opportunity to engage with ongoing and recent research, and to participate in a community of researchers with shared interests.
Distinctive features
In addition to the taught elements of the MSc, you will be encouraged to attend and participate in the activities of the School of Social Sciences' research groups. Our research groups hold regular meetings, providing you with the opportunity to engage with ongoing and recent research, and to participate in a community of researchers with shared interests.
How will I be taught?
Your programme will be made up of scheduled learning activities (including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions) and guided independent study.
You will be expected to actively engage in all the educational activities on your programme of study, to prepare for and attend all scheduled teaching activities, and continue your development as an independent and self-directed learner.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor.
All modules within the programme make use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information on assessment.
This programme provides knowledge and expertise suitable for careers in research and development, business, market studies, public agencies at international, national and local levels, education, teaching and other public services work, and voluntary organisations.
It also provides appropriate training for proceeding to a PhD.
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