ObjectivesWe aim to enable students to develop skills in effective social research and evaluation design and implementation. Students will critically appraise evaluation and social research within its original context - whether academic, policy-oriented or practical - and for its usefulness for further studies or problem solving. The course provides a thorough grounding in pure and applied research methods and ensures an awareness of the practical considerations necessary in planning and disseminating research and evaluation. Students develop an appreciation of the methodological, epistemological, ethical and political aspects of research and evaluation.
Entry requirementsApplications are accepted from students from a variety of backgrounds. Applicants will usually have a good first degree in a social science or related discipline. However, the overriding criterion is the ability to demonstrate a knowledge base, academic skills and motivation. Holders of professional qualifications from a relevant area of practice, for example education, housing, health, social work or practical work experience in a relevant area including data handling, information management and other research related-activities are encouraged to apply. Applicants who wish to convert from other disciplines will also be favourably considered.
Academic titleMSc, PG Dip, PG Cert Social Research and Evalutation
Course descriptionCourse structure
The MSc Social Research consists of six taught modules and a dissertation. Three modules are common to both the MSc Social Research and MSc Social Research and Evaluation:
-Social Research: Principles and Practice of Social Research
-Survey Design and Analysis
-Qualitative Research
MSc Social Research and Evaluation students focus on evaluation in two modules:
-Evaluation: Strategies and Frameworks -Evaluation: Principles and Practice
Optional modules (choose one):
-Urban Patterns and Spatial Analysis
-Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis
-Qualitative Data Analysis
-Collecting Life Histories
-Researching Communities
-Sociology of the Visual
-Researching Gender
-Researching Communications
-Social Structures and Policies
PG Diploma Evaluation
-Social Research: Principles and Practice
-Survey Design and Analysis
-Qualitative Research
-Evaluation Strategies and Frameworks
-Evaluation Principles and Practice
-One optional module
PG Certificate Evaluation
-Social Research: Principles and Practice
-Evaluation Strategies and Frameworks
-Evaluation Principles and Practice
-Dissertation
MSc students also submit a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice. Subject to requirements relating to originality, you may choose to base your research on the work of an agency in which you are employed.
MSc students also submit a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice, which may be work-related.
Assessment
Assessment methods are varied and include preparing research proposals, designing questionnaires and surveys, analysing data, critical reviews of research, using software packages, essays, and independent research leading to the dissertation.
Career opportunities
After completing one of these courses, students will be well equipped for a wide range of careers requiring social research and evaluation skills, including work in public and voluntary sector organisations and universities. For some students the MSc will be a stepping-stone to PhD research.
Attendance & duration
MSc
-Full-time: one year, usually two/three evenings a week and an intensive short course held in June
-Part-time: two years, two evenings a week plus intensive short course between years one and two
PG Certificates
-Full-time: one semester
-Part-time: usually one year