Social Science Research (Communication and Media) MSc

What you'll study

Our Social Science Research MSc programmes are designed to produce graduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are well equipped to progress onto being high level researchers in their chosen field of study.

Modules

This programme covers a wide range of topics; to give you a taster we have expanded on some of the core modules affiliated with this programme and the specific assessment methods associated with each module.

• Compulsory
• Optional

Philosophy of social science

Philosophy of social science

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the different ontological and epistemological ways in which social science research is framed. This will then be applied by analysing pertinent theoretical approaches for their ontological and epistemological nature which are located in the critical traditions of thought. Their role in research design will be considered, especially with a view to the different sources of knowledge that are available and appropriate.

Quantitative research methods

Quantitative research methods

This module will support students to make informed assessments of the design and construction of quantitative data sources and their implications for analyses; appropriately prepare and analyse quantitative data using statistical software; and apply and interpret a range of forms of statistical analysis competently, including descriptive, inferential and multivariate techniques.

Research design and practice

Research design and practice

More information will be available soon. If you have any immediate queries regarding this module, please contact: .

Qualitative research methods

Qualitative research methods

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the basic theory, practice and procedures for using qualitative research methods when undertaking a research project.

Specialist research methods: Production and reception

Specialist research methods: Production and reception

The aim of this module is to become familiar with a range of research methodologies for the analysis of media and cultural production and reception.

Dissertation

Dissertation

The aim of this module is for the student to develop employability and academic skills relevant to conducting an individual research project and to undertake a piece of research on a communication or media topic of their choice, in depth and with rigour. The final project should build on methodological skills developed in earlier modules.

Doing research with young people in their socio-spatial contexts

Doing research with young people in their socio-spatial contexts

The module aims to analyse how to conduct research with young people, paying attention to their social and spatial contexts. The module examines both theoretical and practical aspects of researching with young people in their socio-spatial contexts.

Advanced content analysis

Advanced content analysis

The aim of this module is to consider advanced approaches to quantitative content analysis, in particular assessing the extent to which computer-assisted analysis can extend the reach and rigour of statistical textual analysis.

Methodological advances in applied ethnography

Methodological advances in applied ethnography

The aim of this module is to consider advanced approaches to doing ethnographic research in a range of settings and interdisciplinary contexts, including innovations in ethnography and practical sessions on adapting ethnography for contemporary challenges and applied settings.

Applied conversation analysis

Applied conversation analysis

The aims of this module are to i) train students in the perspective and methods of Conversation Analysis (CA), ii) demonstrate how CA can be applied to the study of interactions in medical, legal and social welfare settings, and iii) demonstrate also how CA can be used to improve the effectiveness of communication in such settings.

Methodological implications of critical realism

Methodological implications of critical realism

More information will be available soon. If you have any immediate queries regarding this module, please contact: .