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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

SSC-20003 (see C7)

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.

To provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to design, conduct, and critically evaluate social science research.
To explain key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, emphasizing their appropriate application, ethical considerations, and limitations within a range of social science contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of 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
Demonstrate knowledge 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
Know how to operate qualitative research techniques, such as interviewing, ethnography, 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
42 hours Seminar preparation
84 hours Portfolio preparation

School Rules

This module will be compulsory for students who are studying abroad in semester two on Criminology, Education, International Relations, Politics, and Sociology degrees. This will be taken instead of SSC-20003.

Description of Module Assessment