Course summary

The MA in Social Research Methods has been designed to provide a broad-based practical grounding in research methods training across the social sciences with a specific focus on the research practices of a chosen field. You can choose to focus on social policy, criminology or sociology. The course is one of a suite of methods-based postgraduate degrees delivered across the University. Successful completion provides wide-ranging opportunities for interdisciplinary study which can help you transition into enhanced careers in academia, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, charitable organisations, the business sector and more. Alternatively, it can serve as a stepping-stone into social science research. You will look at the conceptual and practical underpinnings and implications of research, exploring a range of research techniques and the rationale behind them. The MA Social Research Methods will enable you to develop essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative work and to apply those skills to social research in your chosen field. Some combinations of modules (subject to availability) offer recognised training as part of the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership. The Department of Sociology is home to the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action and the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse. As a student in the Department, your learning will be informed by the ongoing research carried out by experts from the research centres, many of whom are working at the forefront of their field. Course structure Core modules: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Research introduces contemporary social scientific research from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will explore complex causation and how it is addressed methodologically across different disciplines. The module also introduces design strategies and different disciplinary practices, and considers ethical issues in the conduct of social research, including issues of power and equality. Quantitative Methods and Analysis develops your knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis. You will learn how to use statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets and to make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena. Research Design and Process provides training in research design and an understanding of the research process to prepare you for the MA dissertation/PhD research and careers in social research. You will develop an understanding of how to formulate and design a research project, the ethical, political and organisational issues involved in social research, and the processes and stages involved in planning a research project. Computational Social Science introduces the methodologies used in the rapidly changing landscape of computational social science, from machine learning and complex network analysis to simulation and visual and textual analysis. The module includes a working knowledge of several of the most widely used methods. 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 helps prepare you to carry out your own qualitative research projects. The 15,000-word Dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore and write about a suitable subject of your choice under the guidance of a supervisor, and to use the techniques developed in the research modules. It enables you to demonstrate your capacity for independent thought, critical thinking and analysis.