ObjectivesThis programme integrates a core of social research with evaluation research. Modules are shared with the nationally recognised and long established MSc in Social Research. This provides students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the research processes. This programme extends that knowledge to the specific area of evaluation research. It allows students to specialise and provides important policy-relevant skills. This programme combines evaluation research with a range of modules from the existing MSc Social Research to provide students with a flexible opportunity to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of the research process. This award is intended for those who wish to develop an understanding of both evaluation and social research in theory and practice, either before taking up employment, whilst in employment as part of a career development programme or as a preliminary to doctoral research. The degree will provide students with an understanding of the methods, challenges and values of evaluation research and its relationship to policy and practice and should have particular appeal to the increasing range of practitioners who are required to evaluate innovatory projects and programmes. In addition, because this programme uses a core of modules which are utilised on a suite of similar programmes there is flexibility to change between these programmes if a student so wishes. (MSc Social Research, MSc Social and Market Research and MSc Social and Education Research).
Entry requirementsA good honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional qualification. Other applications will be considered depending on experience, motivation and aptitude.
Course descriptionProgramme highlights
-Provides specific, policy relevant research skills
-Flexible structure
-Can be taken full time or part time (up to 5 years)
-Undertake a professional research placement instead of the traditional dissertation
-Modules can be taken as ‘stand alone’ courses, no need to sign up to the whole programme
Further study, research and employment opportunities
This programme is suited equally to those wishing to pursue an academic research career and those seeking employment in the public or private sector involved in policy evaluation projects.
General programme structure
The programme can be taken as a series of separate stand alone modules. There are some constraints in terms of the order in which modules must be taken. In addition there is a postgraduate diploma and MSc stage to the programme. The PgDip element comprises all the taught modules with the exception of the dissertation or work-based placement, and can be taken as a stand – alone qualification. A further period spent researching and writing a dissertation leads to the MSc award.
If you study on a full-time basis, the MSc programme lasts one calendar year, starting in September. Attendance is for two full days a week during term times; these teaching days are at present almost always timetabled for Mondays and Fridays. Typically, part-time study takes two years, and attendance is for one day. In year one, at present this is a Monday, and in year two, Friday. However, you may take the programme over a maximum period of five years.
This is an innovative programme in social research and evaluation. The university has a long and distinguished record of social and public policy research, which is here combined with its flagship programme in social science research methods.
This gives you the opportunity to learn about evaluation research through practical experience. It combines a sound academic grounding in social research methods with practical evaluation research skills.
Detailed programme structure
-Social research design
-Philosophical and methodological foundations of the social sciences
-Quantitative analysis using SPSS, descriptive and bivariate statistics.
-Qualitative approaches to social research
-Practical fieldwork skills
-Project planning
-Placement option available
-Introduction to evaluation research
-Evaluation research critique