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    Social Science Research Methods

    MRes

    Mode of study
    Full time, Part time
    Start date
    September 2020
    Duration of Study
    One year full time, two years part time, modular degree (maximum period of 5 years), CPD
    Subject Area
    Social Science and Public Policy
    FEES (2020/21 academic year)
    UK/EU - £7,750
    International - £14,750

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    • Programme specifications

    Course Overview

    The MRes Social Science Research Methods is designed to provide a thorough grounding in a range of research skills and methodologies essential to the systematic research practice demanded in many professional environments, or to pave the way to doctoral study in social science disciplines.

    About the course

    Overview

    Social research enables us to generate knowledge about the social world, including insights into public opinion and patterns of collective behaviour that might otherwise remain hidden. Social research is an essential tool in supporting policy makers to recognise and understand social issues and reach decisions about the design and implementation of appropriate responses. On this course you will learn how to plan, conduct and manage social research projects, and develop theoretical models to inform responses to real world social issues.

    The taught modules on the programme offer advanced instruction in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and methodologies and introduce you to the tools used in the management and analysis of data. Your studies culminate in an original piece of applied research supported by a supervisor in your discipline (see Our Expertise for more information about what we do).

    The programme is suitable for those considering doctoral (PhD) study or looking to work in the public, private or third sectors, for example, social or market research; social and health care; local and national government; or charitable and community organisations. It would be equally valuable to people already working in these sectors who wish to update or develop their social research skills.

    The programme is recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) postgraduate social science research training and development and as the first year of 1+3 awards made by the ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership.

    Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Programme Director, Dr Siobhan Holohan, in the first instance to discuss their application

    Social research enables us to generate knowledge about the social world, including insights into public opinion and patterns of collective behaviour that might otherwise remain hidden. Social research is an essential tool in supporting policy makers to recognise and understand social issues and reach decisions about the design and implementation of appropriate responses. On this course you will learn how to plan, conduct and manage social research projects, and develop theoretical models to inform responses to real world social issues.

    The taught modules on the programme offer advanced instruction in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and methodologies and introduce you to the tools used in the management and analysis of data. Your studies culminate in an original piece of applied research supported by a supervisor in your discipline (see Our Expertise [add link to tab] for more information about what we do).

    The programme is suitable for those considering doctoral (PhD) study or looking to work in the public, private or third sectors, for example, social or market research; social and health care; local and national government; or charitable and community organisations. It would be equally valuable to people already working in these sectors who wish to update or develop their social research skills.

    The programme is recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) postgraduate social science research training and development and as the first year of 1+3 awards made by the ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership.

    Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Programme Director, Dr Siobhan Holohan (s.holohan@keele.ac.uk), in the first instance to discuss their application

    Course structure

    A central feature of the programme is its flexible structure. Full-time (12 month) and part-time (24 month) routes are available. Modules can also be accessed individually for continuing professional development (CPD), or as part of a modular route where credits can be accumulated over a period of up to 5 years to qualify for a named award.

    A full Masters’ degree is 180 credits, made up of 120 credits of taught modules (either 15 or 30 credits each) plus a 60-credit dissertation. The dissertation is the final assessment on the programme and brings together the modular learning in the development and implementation of a significant piece of research. 

    How the course is taught

    Each module is 15 or 30-hours of contact time taught in 5 or 10-week blocks in the first two semesters (October-December and January-May). The third semester (June-September) is dedicated to completing your independent research project.

    Course content is delivered via a range of learning activities, from lectures to group work and one-to-one supervision. Each module is accompanied by independent study hours where students are required to undertake independent reading to consolidate their learning and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

    Delivery of the programme has been revised for the 2020-21 academic year in accordance with the University’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) response. Guided learning materials will be accessible via Keele’s learning platform, supplemented by a mixture of live interactive online activities. Campus-based activities will remain available for small group work and specific skills training sessions. Students on the programme can take advantage of these flexible forms of delivery to develop a study pattern to suit their individual circumstances.

    How you'll be assessed

    The programme is assessed through a broad range of methods, including portfolio, essay, research proposal, report, and exam. These enable assessment of your analytical abilities, and of your ability to evaluate particular debates, material, and evidence. 

    Students must pass all the taught modules before they proceed to the dissertation. This is the final assessment on the programme and brings together your modular learning in the development and implementation of a significant piece of original research guided by your supervisor.

    Entry Requirements

    Applicants should be graduates normally with a good Honours degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant social science subject. However, students from different backgrounds who believe they have the capacity to undertake postgraduate work in the social sciences should contact us to discuss their situation.

    Students for whom English is a second language will need English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS text scores (or equivalent).

    Fees and scholarships

    Fees (2020/21 academic year)

    UK/EU students £7,750 per year

    International students £14,750 per year

    Living costs

    Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.

    Scholarships and Funding

    The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;

    UK/EU students - more information on scholarships and funding

    International students - more information on scholarships and funding

    The MRes Social Science Research Methods is a recognised route on the 1+3 awards made by the ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP). Candidates may apply for funding towards master’s and doctoral (1+3/2+2) study, or doctoral study only (+3/+2). The NWSSDTP does not fund standalone master’s programmes.

    Applications should be made via one of the following pathways:

    • Criminology, Social Policy and Social Work
    • Social Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine
    • Socio-legal Studies

    Those interested in applying for 1+3 funding via the NWSSDTP, should contact the ESRC DTP Institutional Lead, Professor Yossi Nehushtan, to discuss their subject pathway and supervision requirements.

    Our expertise

    The MRes in Social Science Research Methods is taught by an international faculty with a wide range of expertise in social science research theories and methodologies. We offer academic expertise in a variety of social science disciplines including in sociology, criminology, education, and human geography. Prospective students are invited to review supervisory specialisms on the subject web pages before contacting the Programme Director to discuss their application.
    Social Science Research Methods Social Science Research Methods Social Science Research Methods
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