Social Science Research (Social Policy) MSc

What you'll study

Our Social Science Research (Social Policy) MSc programme is 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

Social Science Research (Social Policy) 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 (20 credits)

Philosophy of Social Science (20 credits)

This module introduces students to the philosophical foundations of social science research. It provides an overview of the different ontological and epistemological bases of social scientific research methods and theories.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits)

Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits)

This module provides advances training in quantitative research methods, developing students’ skills of collecting, cleaning, and analysing quantitative data, using specialist software.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Research Design and Practice (20 credits)

Research Design and Practice (20 credits)

This module introduces students to research methodologies, enabling them to develop essential skills for planning a realistic research design for their dissertation.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)

Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)

This module advances students qualitative research skills, providing training in a range of qualitative and interpretative methods. It also develops students’ critical thinking about measurement in social science research and about the appropriate representation of research findings.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 75% coursework and 25% oral poster presentation, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Specialist Research Methods: Understanding Social Policy Research

Specialist Research Methods: Understanding Social Policy Research

This module will introduce students to social policy development by drawing on a range of perspectives, theories, and concepts. It will illustrate how social policies are created, implemented and evaluated.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Dissertation

Dissertation

In this module students will design, conduct, analyse and report an original empirical study within the field of social policy.

Doing Research with Young People in their Socio-spatial Contexts (10 credits)

Doing Research with Young People in their Socio-spatial Contexts (10 credits)

This module introduces students to the specific theoretical and practical requirements associated with doing research with young people.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Advanced Content Analysis

Advanced Content Analysis

This module advances students’ skills of doing computer-assisted content analysis and students’ knowledge of statistical textual analysis.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Methodological Advances in Applied Ethnography (10 credits)

Methodological Advances in Applied Ethnography (10 credits)

This module advances students’ ethnographic skills by discussing innovations in ethnography, its interdisciplinary use, and its adaptation to contemporary challenges.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Applied Conversation Analysis - 10 credits

Applied Conversation Analysis - 10 credits

This module develops students’ skills in using conversation analysis, a novel research method for analysing talk in a range of institutional settings, which generates findings that help to improve communication.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.

Methodological Implications of Critical Realism (10 credits)

Methodological Implications of Critical Realism (10 credits)

This module introduces students to the ontological foundations of critical realism and develops their understanding of a critical realist research design.

Assessment

Typically this module is assessed by 100% coursework, although the university reserves the right to alter this.