Course summary

Develop in-depth knowledge and skills of research methods. Prepare yourself for an academic or professional career with a focus on the social sciences. The course has been designed to include a substantial theoretical and quantitative core. Combined with complementary qualitative training, the course provides the essential skills for any working researcher. You will be trained in techniques used in the analysis of social science quantitative data. This will enable you to think through how you can use your knowledge and advanced quantitative skills in different contexts, applying them to a variety of problems and specifically in the area of social, educational or political enquiry that most interests you. The vibrant environment for training in quantitative social science methods will equip you with the skills to become a transdisciplinary future leader in innovative social science research. This course is designed to enable you to carry out high-quality doctoral research or pursue other professional research activities. By the end of your studies you will be able to identify and investigate your own original research questions using advanced quantitative methods. South West Doctoral Training Partnership This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway. If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply and funding guidelines. For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement. Learning and teaching The collaboratively delivered unit days will involve lectures, but also lab training and working with software to implement advanced quantitative methods. Some pre-course material will be made available before the intensive full-day delivery of these units. Other units will be taught by combinations of lectures, seminars and computer lab sessions. Careers There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters. Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data. This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of social science research and enquiry.