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SSC-20007 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

SSC-20007 - Social Science Methods
Coordinator: Emma Head Room: CBC0.012 Tel: +44 1782 7 33898
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

How can we know the world and the societies around us? This module introduces you to the core social science of designing, implementing, and analysing social phenomena. You will learn to identify and analyse data sources that might be used by social scientists in real world situations. From quantitative surveys to qualitative interviews and ethnographic studies, you will explore methodological approaches to understanding society and develop practical researcher skills that prepare you to carry out original research ethically.

Aims
Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and knowledge of the practical skills needed to design, conduct, and critically evaluate social science research.
Students will be introduced to key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, emphasizing their appropriate application, ethical considerations, and limitations within a range of social science contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the philosophical underpinnings of social science research methods and the ways in which these relate to the decision-making process involved in research design: 1
Show awareness of the ethical challenges in research and be able to propose strategies to address these challenges.
: 1
Design a coherent research proposal that demonstrates the ability to identify a research question, select an appropriate methodology, and justify its application.
: 1
Synthesize relevant academic literature to construct a critical and coherent literature review that identifies gaps, debates, and theoretical frameworks to inform a social science research question.
: 1
Describe and apply qualitative research techniques, such as interviewing, surveys, observation, and discourse analysis, to collect and analyse data, demonstrating an understanding of their methodological strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations.: 1

Study hours

11 x 1 hour Interactive lectures
11 x 1 hour Seminars
1 x 2 hour Assessment Support Workshops
44 hours Seminar preparation
82 hours assignment preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 100%
Research Design Plan
Students must write a 2000 word research proposal which outlines both the rationale and methods for a small-scale research project (which may be undertaken in Year 3). The proposal must include a literature review that surveys the literature relating to a particular research object / problem / area of study as well as an explanation of the choice of methods to be adopted. This explanation should include reference to wider methods literature as well as relevant ethical issues.

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: 16 September 2026