Social Sciences and Humanities MRes

The MRes involves a substantial research project preceded by modules in research methodology and a choice of subject-specific modules.

This module introduces the main theoretical approaches to understanding the social world, addressing questions such as ‘what is knowledge’ and ‘how can we know what we know’. It provides a grounding in the ways research is constructed from different conceptual foundations and the implications that these have for practical issues, such as how to collect and analyse data.

• Social Research students will choose one module from Politics and Power; Social Theory and Social Justice; and Politics and Society
• Criminal Psychology students will take a specialist module introducing them to the discipline
• Humanities students will study approaches to research in the humanities
• Journalism students will explore communication theories and ethics applied to journalism.

You will gain a firm grasp of research methods which operate across the humanities and social sciences. This module takes the form of four masterclasses covering how to explore existing research; qualitative data collection and analysis; quantitative data collection and analysis; and using archives and documentary analysis.

Building on the broad foundation of the introductory module, you will explore and develop specialised research, data collection and analytical techniques in more depth. You will select a minimum of eight masterclasses from a wide-ranging menu and these will be agreed with your academic supervisor to ensure they provide a solid preparation for your independent research project. Several masterclasses count as double and will always be offered: Introduction to Survey Research; Advanced Statistical Analysis; Computer Aided Qualitative Analysis; Using SPSS, and Using Grounded Theory.

A further list of at least ten single-session masterclasses will be offered each academic year. These offer you the opportunity to work in small, inter-disciplinary groups, learning alongside and from the academic researchers who will go on to supervise your independent research project. They will explain the questions, methods and theories which have motivated their own research in sessions which allow you to shape your own research ideas. This engagement with active researchers is an important part of the course, paving the way for greater collaboration between staff and students and promoting co-production of research.

You will develop professional skills which are invaluable for your future research endeavours. Delivered through four masterclasses, this module embraces crucial issues such as the communication and dissemination of research findings; research management including project planning and risk appraisal; finance, funding and resources including the preparation of a simulated funding proposal; and different approaches to engagement and impact.

You will complete a substantial independent research programme consisting of a literature review and original research. This will culminate in a 20,000-word thesis and a critical reflection on the research process. You will also present your findings at an annual conference.