MA Sociological Research

Postgraduate

In Colchester

£ 6,125 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Postgraduate

  • Location

    Colchester

  • Duration

    1 Year

About the course
Discover how to turn raw data into useful information which can tell us about how people work

You learn how to gain an understanding of society through carrying out case studies, surveys, and observational research


Our MA Sociological Research provides a strong foundation in doing empirical research, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies

We offer you advanced study of research design and of specific research techniques and their evaluation

In the process you also acquire a critical appreciation of empirical research methodology


Graduates of this course will understand the connection between theory and empirical methodology, and be able to produce, evaluate and effectively communicate research findings

You explore topics including:
Debates in contemporary social theory
The theory and methods of qualitative interviewing
Quantitative data analysis
Sociological research design
This is a broad-based research training which is indispensable if you wish to proceed to a PhD

This course has ESRC Doctoral Training Centre accreditation, which means that it can form part of a 1+3 funding opportunity worth up to £21,575 for talented postgraduates


Our Department of Sociology was rated top 10 in the UK for research quality (REF 2014), and we consistently receive strong student satisfaction scores, including 96% overall student satisfaction in 2015


Our expert staff
We are a large and friendly department, offering a diverse range of research interests and with staff members who are committed to teaching, research and publication that covers a broad geographical spectrum

Facilities

Location

Start date

Colchester (Essex)
See map
Wivenhoe Park, CO4 3SQ

Start date

On request

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Reviews

Subjects

  • Design
  • Staff
  • Teaching
  • Social Theory
  • Data analysis

Course programme

Example structure
Postgraduate study is the chance to take your education to the next level. The combination of compulsory and optional modules means our courses help you develop extensive knowledge in your chosen discipline, whilst providing plenty of freedom to pursue your own interests. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore to ensure your course is as relevant and up-to-date as possible your core module structure may be subject to change.
For many of our courses you’ll have a wide range of optional modules to choose from – those listed in this example structure are, in many instances, just a selection of those available. Our Programme Specification gives more detail about the structure available to our current postgraduate students, including details of all optional modules.
You choose between these two modules: Text and Documents or Ethnography. You do not take both.
Year 1
Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
Interviewing and Qualitative Data Analysis
Texts and Documents (optional)
Ethnography (optional)
Topics in Contemporary Social Theory
Sociological Research Design
Dissertation
Teaching
We have a strong research group culture
Graduate students are encouraged to take part in our weekly Departmental Seminar which regularly features eminent outside speakers
Assessment
Your modules are assessed by coursework and your dissertation
Dissertation
Your 15,000-word dissertation allows you to focus in-depth on your chosen topic from April onwards
You work with close supervision from academic staff
Previous
Next

Additional information

Many have worked at the local level with local authorities, justice councils, community partnerships and charities Others have worked at a national and international level with bodies like the United Nations, the European Commission’s Expert Group on Public Understanding of Science, Amnesty International, The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Home Office and national non-governmental organisations Specialist facilities Dedicated postgraduate support facilities Our renowned off-campus Graduate Conference takes place every February A unique Student Resource Centre where you can get help with your studies, access examples of previous students’ work, and attend workshops on research skills The Sociology common room is open all day Monday-Friday, is stocked with daily newspapers, magazines and journals, and has free drinks available Links with the Institute of Social and Economic Research, which conducts large-scale survey projects and has its own library, and the UK Data Archive, which stores national research data like the British Crime Survey Our students’ Sociology Society, a forum for the exchange of ideas, arranging talks by visiting speakers, introducing you to various career pathways, and organising debates Your future This course offers invaluable training if you seek future employment in a wide range of social research occupations You will develop key employability skills including; thinking analytically, research design, essay writing, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interviewing skills You are provided with excellent preparation for further academic study, and many of our postgraduates go on to successful academic careers, both in the UK and overseas Others have established careers in non-governmental organisations, local authorities, specialist think tanks, government departments, charities, media production, and market intelligence We work with the university’s Employability and Careers...

MA Sociological Research

£ 6,125 + VAT