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SSC-20009 - 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-20009 - Data Analysis in Social Sciences
Coordinator: Mark Featherstone Room: CBC0.014 Tel: +44 1782 7 34179
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 research skills that prepare you to carry out original research ethically.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the theories and methods used in the social scientific analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
The modules aims to prepare students for independent research by developing competencies in the description, interpretation, analysis, and presentation of data, laying the foundation for future research projects, including final-year ISP modules.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the reliability, validity, and implications of social scientific data.: 1
Analyse quantitative data using appropriate techniques, such as statistical methods for quantitative data, demonstrating an ability to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate the results.: 1
Analyse qualitative data using appropriate techniques, such as thematic coding, demonstrating an ability to draw meaningful conclusions and evaluate the results.: 2

Study hours

12 x 2 hour lecture-workshops
46 hours workshop preparation
80 hours assessment preparation (40 hours for each assessment)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 50%
Quantitative data analysis exercises
Students will write up to 1250 words in response to a set of exercises based on the analysis of quantitative data and issues raised in the process of analysing data.

2: Assignment weighted 50%
Qualitative data analysis exercises
Students will write up to 1250 words in response to a set of exercises based on the analysis of qualitative data and issues raised in the process of analysing data.

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