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Master Social Research
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Objectives
We aim to teach and impart the current state of knowledge and practices in social research. Students develop awareness of the relevance of research topics, the framing of a research problem and the execution of designed research solutions. The course aims to develop an understanding of the philosophy of social research and an awareness of its main traditions. Students should recognise policy-driven instrumentalist social science. Through the dissertation, MSc students will identify relevance to engineer design from a variety of methods and will carry through research using primary or secondary sources of data.
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Entry requirements
Applications 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.
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Academic title
MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip Social Research
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Course description
Course structure
The MSc Social Research consists of six taught modules with a dissertation:
-Social Research: Principles and Practice of Social Research
-Survey Design and Analysis
-Qualitative Research
-Dissertation
MSc Social Research students also focus on either Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis or Qualitative Data Analysis.
Optional Modules:
-Urban Patterns and Spatial Analysis
-Evaluation: Strategies and Frameworks
-Evaluation: Principles and Practice
-Collecting Life Histories
-Researching Communities
-Sociology of the Visual
-Researching Gender
-Researching Communications
-Social Structures and Policies
Postgraduate Diploma Social Research modules:
-Social Research
-Survey Design and Data Analysis
-Qualitative Research
-Issues in Comparing Societies
-Two optional modules
Postgraduate Certificate Social Research modules:
-Social Research
-Survey Design and Data Analysis
-Qualitative Research, or
-Researching Communities
Dissertation
MSc students 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
You will be well equipped for a wide range of careers or career changes requiring social research and evaluation skills including 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
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