21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
This MA in Research Methods provides Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-recognised training in the fields of politics, international relations and security. The course has been designed to provide a thorough grounding in research methods allied to further specialisation within these fields for those intending to progress to a PhD and, as such, fulfils the ESRC research training guidelines requirement for ‘1+3’ PhD students. The MA is offered in collaboration with other departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This provides wide-ranging opportunities for interdisciplinary study which you can tailor to your career development needs or use as a stepping-stone into social science research. You will study core modules in research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, as well as exploring the ethical and political issues that underpin social sciences research. This combination of theoretical and practical training is designed to develop the techniques you need to create your own research studies. You also choose optional modules, some of which are designed to further develop your knowledge of research methods and others that are specific to politics, international relations and security. The MA dissertation brings together the different areas of learning into an area of research interest. The School of Government and International Affairs is home to the Durham Global Security Institute and the Global Policy Institute. As a student in the School, your learning will be informed by the ongoing research carried out by experts from these institutes, many of whom are working at the forefront of their field.
Modules
Core modules: Empirical Research in Politics, International Relations and Security provides an overview of the types of research designs most frequently used in empirical research in politics, international relations and security. Teaching is structured around the two main types of research designs: theory-generating (inductive) and theory-testing (deductive). Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Science Research examines contemporary social scientific research from an interdisciplinary and mixed-methods perspective. You will learn about methodological practices, ethics and explore the challenges of studying social complexity across the different disciplines. Quantitative Methods and Analysis gives students with a range of disciplinary backgrounds and experiences the opportunity to assimilate and develop their knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis. You will study the use of statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets and learn to make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena. Qualitative Methods and Analysis equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to understand, conceptualise and critically appraise qualitative social sciences research, including different approaches to research and design and analysis of qualitative data. This module provides the foundation for qualitative research projects. The Dissertation is a substantial piece of independent work in a related aspect of research methods. The 12,000-word dissertation is the culmination of the MA, bringing together elements of learning from across the course. Examples of optional modules: Research Methods: Advanced Ethnographic Research; Multilevel Modelling; Simulating Data in R; Systematic Review; Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences; Computational Social Science; Participatory Action Research. Politics: Core Concepts in Political Science. International Relations: International Relations Theory; International Organisations. Security: Defence, Development and Diplomacy in Conflict: Evolving Actors, Factors and Paradigms; Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace; Peace Processes and Everyday Political Negotiation; Consolidating Peace After Violence.
Assessment method
Teaching is centred around the School of Government and International Affairs, a vibrant learning community which is home to multiple research centres and institutes. The MA is largely delivered via lectures and smaller, student-led seminar or tutorial groups. Each module is built around 300 hours of learning, a large proportion of which is made up of independent reading, preparation and written assignments. Each module includes a minimum of 20 hours of class contact, which gives you the opportunity to review course material in group discussions. The dissertation is an important part of the course. To support you in this, you will be appointed a dissertation supervisor based on a broad match with your dissertation topic. As well as providing dissertation-specific guidance, you can also contact your supervisor for general academic support. To keep your learning up-to-date and relevant, we place great importance on integrating new and innovative research into the curriculum. In addition, we deliver regular seminars and lectures which are available for all postgraduate students. These events provide opportunities to engage with contemporary issues in political and international studies. Taught modules are principally assessed by essays. As the course progresses, we provide ongoing feedback through formative assessments to help you to recognise your strengths as well as identify any areas that may require improvement. The course culminates in a 12,000-word dissertation which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor. The dissertation is worth one-third of your final mark.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. Two satisfactory academic references. In cases of applicants who have significant relevant experience, one work-related reference and one academic reference would be considered appropriate.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10400 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £10400 | Year 1 |
| EU | £24750 | Year 1 |
| International | £24750 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £24750 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE