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2023 - 2024
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

17May
Sheffield Hallam University - Postgraduate Open Day
Postgraduate
Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

**Please note that the information provided relates to the current academic year and is subject to change without notice by Sheffield Hallam University. Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.** Course summary

  • Learn social research methods and the supporting theories and philosophies.
  • Develop areas of specialist interests to integrate into your methodological training.
  • Discuss research issues with students from other postgraduate and doctoral courses.
  • Critique current developments and conduct your own original research.
On this course, you’ll focus on research specialisms encompassing sociology, social policy, politics, criminology, education studies, urban studies, youth studies and cultural studies. You’ll study a range of research methodologies – including interview-based narrative and biographical research, case studies, media analysis and statistical analysis of large data sets. How you learn All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. The course includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD. Several recent students have gone onto doctoral level study. You can also take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or certificate (PgCert) in Research Methods in Social Science. You learn through
  • essays
  • research projects
  • presentations
  • research proposals
*Applied learning *Work placements The entire MRes programme is geared towards applied learning – providing the skills (methodological, analytical, theoretical and practical) you’ll need to manage real-world research projects. These skills will be showcased in your extended dissertation. Beyond this, you’ll have the opportunity to arrange a two-week long work placement with one of Sheffield Hallam University’s externally facing research centres – such as the Centre for Development and Research in Education, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies. This will give you valuable insight into the world of policy-oriented research. In addition to this, you will also be able to access the Professional Skills for Research Leadership programme of events, which provides advice and skills for those seeking to pursue research careers inside and outside of academia. *Live projects * In the Sociology subject group, we conduct real-world research projects and publish academic books and articles in a wide range of areas. These include postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality, research methods and reflexivity, addiction and recovery, health policy, social class and class identities, employment and welfare reform, protest and policing, evaluation of educational interventions, subcultures and consumption. Staff from Sociology have been submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Sheffield Hallam University is also part of the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council to recognise excellence in the delivery of research methods instruction. *Networking opportunities * Alongside your fellow MRes Social Science students, you’ll benefit from a learning environment where you share some classes with doctoral students – giving you the opportunity to debate, share ideas and organise reading and study support sessions. Competitions You’ll have an opportunity to gain experience in the dissemination of research – by presenting your research projects at the annual Postgraduate Research and Early Careers Research Poster Conference and Competition.

Modules

Compulsory modules Dissertation (Social Sciences) 60 Philosophies Of Research: Classical Social Theory 15 Philosophies Of Research: Contemporary Social Theory 15 Principles Of Methodology: Positivist Tradition 15 Principles Of Methodology: Social Constructionism 15 Qualitative Research 1 15 Survey Method 1: Design And Application 15 Discourse And Linguistic Theory And Analysis 15 Qualitative Research 2 15 Survey Method 2: Descriptive Analysis And Statistical Significance 15 Survey Method 3: Modelling Survey Data 15

Assessment method

Coursework

Entry requirements

Typically a 2.2 degree in a suitable subject. For example,sociology, social policy, criminology, cultural studies, youth studies, education, politics, urban studies, human geography, community studies, subcultural studies, audience studies, health policy, sexualities, policing, and drug rehabilitation. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees for both full-time and part-time postgraduate study options: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here
Social Science at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS