Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2021/22 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

MA Social Research

Programme code:MA-SOC/RESUCAS code:
Duration:12 Months Method of Attendance: Full Time
Programme manager:Professor Roger Slee Contact address:R.Slee@leeds.ac.uk

A part time version of this programme is available (programme code MA-SOC/RES-P).

Total credits: 180

Entry requirements:

2:1 BA Hons in the Social Sciences or related disciplines
English language requirements as directed by School Policy

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Sociology and Social Policy

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

School of Sociology and Social Policy MA Examination Board

Programme specification:

This programme will appeal to people who are looking for an advanced theoretical and practical training in social research methods and who would like to apply their training to real-world problems. Graduates go on to work in government agencies, quasi-governmental, national and international non-governmental organizations, not-for-profit and private-sector organizations where they design, implement and deliver social research. The course also offers a rigorous foundation for PhD studies in the Social Sciences. It has been designed to meet the guidelines for post graduate training for social research developed by the Economic and Social Research Council.

The MA Social Research will provide students with highly marketable skills in qualitative techniques (e.g. interviewing, focus groups), quantitative techniques (e.g. surveys and social statistics) and mixed-method research. The programme focuses upon real-world research and evaluation problems. Students will learn about the underlying philosophical and methodological foundations of social research as well as the practical application of social research methods. They will have the opportunity to specialize, drawing upon the extensive and internationally recognized research and methodological expertise of academic staff across the University of Leeds, and researchers and users of research from public, not-for-profit, and private sector organizations.

The programme will be taught by experts in realist research and evaluation methodologies, qualitative longitudinal research and techniques that are inclusive and empowering of marginalized groups. Staff teaching onto this programme are also methodological innovators, having interests in big data, data analytics, visual methods and social media research. Our research and expertise will inform the content, opportunities and possible areas of study for students undertaking the MA Social Research.

This innovative programme of learning and teaching aims to provide students with a thorough and critical understanding of a wide range of social research strategies, and of information relevant to social research practice. This includes the significance of different theoretical and epistemological bases of social research, and the relation of the social research enterprise to key concerns and debates within an elective pathway in sociology, social policy, gender studies or disability studies amongst other areas of expertise within the School. It aims to familiarize students with issues in the relationships between research, practice and policy, and in the use and dissemination of social research.

Students will have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and mastery of a portfolio of 'hands on' methodological skills, knowledge and competencies, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods, and to demonstrate an understanding of the evaluation and application of these methods.

Students will be required to demonstrate the ability to design and execute a piece of social research, making practical use of methodological knowledge and skills developed in the programme, and to formulate a rigorous and independent argument on the basis of that research and its methodology.

After completion of this programme students should have the necessary competencies to embark upon PhD research in the social sciences.

On completion of the programme students will be able to:

- Understand a philosophy of research methods to inform the principles of research design and
strategy, including how to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation, and design methods of investigation, data collection, analysis and dissemination to address these questions;
- Apply a broad range of research methods, (including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods), and the use of appropriate software for their application);
- Develop advanced research skills and techniques relevant to specific areas of study and spe niques relevant to specific areas of study and specialisation;
- Consider and apply good ethical practice across the entire research process.


Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

SLSP5307MQuantitative Research Methods15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5308MQualitative Research Methods15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5355MInequalities: Exploring causes, Consequences and Interventions30 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SLSP5501MResearch Strategy and Design30 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study one of the following dissertation projects:

SLSP5400MDissertation60 credits1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth)
SLSP5410MApplied Project60 credits1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth)

Candidates will be rquired to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:

SLSP5141MContemporary Social Thought30 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SLSP5303MContested Bodies30 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5305MSocial Policy Analysis15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5306MSocial Policy Debates15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5309MPolicy and Programme Evaluation15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5316MSociology of Media and Culture30 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SLSP5360MResearching Inequality in the Media30 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SLSP5370MReality TV: Truth or Fiction?30 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Last updated: 27/01/2022 15:34:22

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019