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BFS-30012 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 17 December 2025

BFS-30012 - Political Science Research Methods
Coordinator: Bulent Gokay Room: CBA2.002 Tel: +44 1782 7 33512
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 7.5
Study Hours: 75
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This module of research methods offers a solid introduction to the theory and practice of research methods. It includes both theoretical approaches and practical knowledge.

Aims
1. Knowledge: This course aims to introduce students to the basics of research methods, so that 1) they can understand research done by scholars, and that 2) they can conduct preliminary research on their own.
2. Skill/Ability: The course aims to train students’ basic skills of research design and statistical analysis.
3. Quality: The most important qualities to be cultivated in this course are intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and evaluate a range of approaches to research methods used in political science: 1
conduct preliminary research independently: 1
explain and evaluate the nature of international organisations: 1

Study hours

30 contact hours (15 hours of lectures + 10 hours seminars + 5 hours of one-to-one with the tutor)
10 lecture and seminar preparation
35 exam preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 100%
2 hour Exam
The final exam consists of two short essay questions and one problem set.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 December 2025