Course summary

The MSc Social Science Research Methods will provide you with advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences. All course pathways have ESRC recognition and meet the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding. This programme offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive area of interest at postgraduate level. You’ll be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You’ll also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated. Social Policy pathway Research training on the Social Policy pathway builds on our strong interdisciplinary social science research base. You’ll learn about the major topics in contemporary social policy, with particular focus on analysis of welfare policy through the lens of participative citizenship. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with nationally and internationally recognised social policy research and work with academic colleagues with extensive experience of undertaking research with policy-makers, practitioners and stakeholders in a wide variety of settings. We also encourage you to attend and participate in the activities of our School's research groups. These groups hold regular meetings, providing you with the opportunity to engage with ongoing and recent research, and to participate in a community of researchers with shared interests.