Course description
Duration and Mode of Attendance
The duration of the course is two semesters (part-time) for the PGCert, two further semesters (part-time) for the PGDip and two further semesters (part-time) for the MSc. There are three semester per year.
The Programme
These courses offer opportunities for a flexible learning experience, with the aim of facilitating wider participation and more efficient use of participants' time. They will enable students to access postgraduate education in the social sciences on a part-time, on-line mode.
Entry to the course takes place twice a year in September and January.
Students will acquire a range of knowledge and skills needed for full participation in the contemporary knowledge economy and the public, private and voluntary sector labour markets.
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy Research with Specialism will be demonstrated through the acquisition of:
· state of the art skills in research design, implementation and analysis;
· state of the art skills in policy evaluation design and implementation;
· an advanced level of knowledge and analytical skills in a specialism chosen from one of three streams: Researching Social Inequality and Exclusion; Peace and Conflict Research in Divided Societies; Voluntary Action Studies.
Successful completion of the MSc in Social Policy Research with Specialisms will be demonstrated through the acquisition of the Postgraduate Diploma skills outlined above, an advanced level of knowledge and analytical skills in a second specialist area and competence in carrying out high quality research as demonstrated through the production of an independent research project of 8-10,000 words in one of the specialist areas.
A Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research Skills can be achieved through completion of two of the following research and evaluation modules: (i) Survey and Quantitative Research Methods; (ii) Qualitative Research Methods or (iii) Research, Public Policy and Evaluation.
The course is offered through e-learning.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching approaches are geared to key skill outcomes identified for each module under the headings of knowledge and understanding, intellectual qualities, practical and transferable skills. These qualities are acquired through class content documents, directed reading, a range of on-line systems of information retrieval; literature reviews and moderated on-line seminars.
Assessment Research projects; policy analysis; research papers.
Structure and Content
Year 1 Semester I
Survey and Quantitative Research Methods
Core module for PGDip and MSc
Elective module for PGCert
Year 1 Semester II
Qualitative Research Methods
Core module for PGDip and MSc
Elective module for PGCert
Year 1 Semester III
Researching Social Inequality and Exclusion
Core module for PGDip
Elective module
Year 2 Semester I
Research, Public Policy and Evaluation
Core module for PGDip and MSc
Elective module for PGCert
Year 2 Semester II
MSc Electives
Voluntary Action Studies
Or
Peace and Conflict Research in Divided Societies.
Year 2 Semester III
Specialism Independent Research: Compulsory for MSc.
An independent research study of 8-10,000 words in one of the three specialist streams demonstrating the application of research and evaluation skills.
