MA-PgDip-PgCert Social Science Research Methods (Social Work)
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Normally an honours degree in a suitable subject. This should usually include some study of research methods and social theory. If you have suitable qualifications at masters level or work related research experience, you may be exempt from some modules. This allows you to gain the award more quickly.
Academic titleMA/PgDip/PgCert Social Science Research Methods (Social Work)
Course descriptionThis course is hosted by the Faculty of Development and Society Graduate School. The Graduate School website provides a communication hub for students and staff engaged in research, information about our research work, and useful contact information.
The course is ideal if you have a first degree in social work or social sciences and you plan to
• work as a researcher or policy developer in agencies providing social work or social care
• carry out research in these and related subject areas
• gain Economic and Social Research Council recognised research training before moving into a PhD
We introduce social research methods and strategies for social work and related professions. The course covers the supporting theories and values as well as issues of design and ethics in undertaking research and evaluation.
The MA includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD. The dissertation may form the basis of an academic paper for publication.
You study a range of research methods including • biographical research • case study • ethnography • experimental design • media analysis • survey design and analysis • multivariate statistics and statistical modelling.
You can take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards an MA, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate.
Our staff are involved with research in the following areas
• judgement and decision making in professional practice
• pathways into family support
• impact of childhood abuse on adults
• design and delivery of drug and alcohol services
• prediction of recurrence of child protection incidents
• characteristics of long term child protection cases
• cultures of care for looked after children
• evaluating participation of service users and carers
• group work
• practice teaching and learning
• transitions from child to adult mental health services
• European approaches to supervision
Associated careers
This course equips you with the skills to carry out independent research. To do this you need to consider the research problem and associated ethical issues then select a suitable approach. The skills and knowledge you gain are in great demand by many organisations.
Previous graduates have begun careers including
• staff nurse for BMI General Healthcare at Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield
• research administrator at the Graduate Centre, Sheffield Hallam University
• higher executive officer in the Department for Education and Employment, Sheffield
• trainee probation officer in the National Probation Service, Nottingham
• researcher at Sheffield Hallam University
Others have moved directly into PhD research. Some researchers have been sponsored by their employers to complete the programme to increase their research skills.
Course content
You need
• 60 credits for the postgraduate certificate
• 120 credits for the postgraduate diploma
• 180 credits for the MA
You choose up to 120 credits from
• qualitative research methods (60 credits)
• survey design and analysis (60 credits) or advanced quantitative research methods (60 credits)
• social work theory and values for social work research (30 credits)
• research designs for the social sciences (30 credits)
You may substitute up to 30 credits from another course in our MA/MSc programme.
Some modules may require evidence of study in a related subject at a lower level.
For the MA you present a 60 credit dissertation, which requires you to conduct a research investigation supervised by our staff in an area of your choice. This piece of work displays the skills you have learned and your understanding of the research process and underlying philosophies.