MSc-PGDip in Social Research Methods

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University of Surrey

Comments about MSc-PGDip in Social Research Methods - At the institution - Guildford - Surrey

• Objectives
  The Department of Sociology has an international reputation for expertise in social research methods, enhanced by a range of research activities in fields such as the environment, health and ageing, new technologies, language and communication, childhood and criminal justice. The expertise of staff covers the full range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and is drawn upon in teaching the degree, providing students with a broadly based, up-to-date training in social research skills. The programme aims to: -Provide training across a range of technical and practical social research skills -Equip students with a good understanding of the contribution that quantitative and qualitative approaches make to the collection, interpretation and analysis of data -Encourage students to reflect critically on methodological, theoretical, philosophical and ethical aspects of social research practice -Provide students with the opportunity to complete a piece of research, in the form of a dissertation, on a topic in which they have a professional interest Students on the programme take eight assessed modules from a range of core and optional modules. There are also a number of unassessed modules to extend students' knowledge and skills. Recent graduates have been appointed to posts in the Home Office, Department of Health, Office for National Statistics, the National Centre for Social Research, and market research companies such as BMRB, whilst others have completed a PhD and gone on to an academic career.
• Entry requirements
  Typical entry requirements Normally a good honours degree in a social science or related subject and evidence of basic numeracy (a GCSE pass at grade C or above in maths). Overseas students are asked to provide a full academic transcript and evidence of fluency in English if this is not their first language.
• Academic title
  MSc/PGDip in Social Research Methods
• Course description
  MSc/PGDip in Social Research Methods Module overview
  
  Core Modules
  
  Data Analysis
  The aim of this module is to provide students with a grounding in the basic principles of data analysis and statistical methods.
  
  Data Management Using Qualitative Software
  The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the use and capabilities of a qualitative data analysis package.
  
  Data Management Using SPSS
  The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the use and capabilities of the statistical package SPSS for Windows.
  
  Field Methods
  This module aims to provide students with a firm methodological basis for conducting various forms of qualitative analysis. Principal data sources are observational fieldnotes, interview transcripts and video.
  
  Documentary and Online Research
  This module provides an overview of techniques used to analyse written, visual and oral documents, and examines methodological innovations in relation to the Internet.
  
  Managing Research and the Publication Process
  This module combines material pertinent to planning and managing a research project with topics relevant to the writing process. It includes exercises in editing an article and in reviewing academic publications.
  
  Research Design and Survey Methods
  This module will provide students with an outline of the main issues in contemporary social research methodology, with a particular focus on the design and conduct of large-scale surveys.
  
  Theory and Method
  This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the importance of conceptual and theoretical issues in social research and some of the philosophical concepts and assumptions that underpin the practice of research.
  
  Group Research Project
  The Group Research Project is designed to give students the opportunity to work with others on a research problem and thereby gain practical experience of collaborative research work.
  
  Statistical Modelling
  This module provides an introduction to the core ideas and principles of statistical modelling and multivariate data, with particular reference to factor analysis, logistic regression and log-linear modelling.
  
  Dissertation
  Students complete a report of not more than 15,000 words based on their own original empirical research.
  
  Dissertation Workshops
  The aim of the workshops is to provide an opportunity for students to discuss a range of issues pertinent to the Masters dissertation.
  
  Optional Modules
  
  -Workshops in Advanced Methods
  -Social Policy Analyses
  -Sociology of Health and Illness
  -Sociology of New Technology
  
  Programme length
  12 months full-time
  

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