MA Social Research

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Arts)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students will be able to:
1. Engage with a philosophy of research methods to inform the principles of research design and
strategy.
2. Design research strategies that include formulating research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation and selecting and critically evaluating methods of investigation, data collection, analysis and dissemination to address these questions.
3. Apply a broad range of social science research methods, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.
4. Develop advanced research skills and techniques, with a focus on a specific area of social science enquiry.
5. Consider and apply good ethical practice across the entire research process.

Skills Learning Outcomes
1. comprehension of principles of research design and strategy,
2. how to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation an appreciation of alternative approaches to research
3. understanding of a broad range of research methods; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods
4. understanding of appropriate data generation and use either through sampling, subject selection or via the use of secondary data from existing sources
5. understanding of analytical approaches
6. understanding of the significance of alternative epistemological positions and how epistemological choices impact on findings produced
7. understanding of the application of good ethical practice across the entire research process
8. understanding of how to conduct and disseminate research in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the standard principles of research ethics
(see ESRC Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines)

Assessment

The approach to assessment in this programme employs a range of formative and summative assessments. These are designed to develop the students generic academic skills, critical reasoning and the practical application of methodological training to an advanced level. The capstone project, the dissertation, is intended to provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in both the substantive and methodological learning in this programme.