Social Research Methods (Social Policy) MSc

Course Overview

This course aims to prepare you for a research career and equip you with the necessary skills for further postgraduate study such as a PhD. The social policy pathway aims to bring together a core training in research methods within the specific disciplinary field of social policy.

Course Structure

Core Modules

• Analysing Data: You gain a thorough grounding in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. You will be introduced to the UK Data Service and explore the range of data available. The module will focus on quantitative analysis using SPSS as a tool to conduct exploratory and inferential statistical analysis.
• Comparative Social Policy: This module adopts a comparative perspective on the study of social policy, with a particular focus on comparing the different welfare regimes in European countries.
• Foundations of Social Research: This module will introduce you to the relationship between philosophy, theory and social research. You will examine major debates in epistemology and consider how this relates to decisions research design and analysis.
• Methods of Data Collection: This module aims to give you a thorough grounding in both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Embedded in relation to theory, practice and ethics, you will examine core research methods used in social research in addition to new and developing techniques for collecting data.
• Social Inequalities: You study complementary blocks of teaching. In the first block, you gain a theoretical overview of sociological context and explanation for myriad issues relating to the topic of social inequality.
• Social Research Project: You have the opportunity to demonstrate your research skills through a piece of independent social research. You will identify a research topic, formulate a research question and conduct an appropriate piece of research and then write about it.
• Studies in Criminology and Social Policy: You examine methodological and empirically innovative or significant research methods and studies in criminology and social policy.

How You Learn

• Attending lectures and seminars
• Discussing key readings
• Through group and individual activities and exercises
• Through debate and discussion with staff and other students
• Through informal and formal feedback on assignments
• Through one-to-one teaching with members of academic staff

How You Are Assessed

• A wide variety of methods including qualitative and quantitative research and analysis exercises
• Written reports
• Essays
• CV development
• An original piece of research which is written up as an article or report (dissertation)

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should normally have a good second-class honours degree in a relevant field
• Those who have relevant professional qualifications and/or relevant experience will also be considered

Employability

Career Opportunities

• Graduates are equipped to work within local government, education, health, the cultural sector, or anywhere where policies and practices are evaluated and inform future development
• Graduates also work in employment arenas where it is important to submit well-crafted and conceptualised bids and proposals for projects
• It is an appropriate course for those wanting to progress their current careers by increasing their research skills
• Opportunities also exist in the criminal justice system (including the police, prison, probation and youth offending services)
• This programme is also ideal if you're interested in working (or already work) in social services and related voluntary agencies
• Some of our MSc students continue to doctoral studies and/or work at colleges and universities

Information for International Applicants

Qualifications

• International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by selecting their country below

Fees

Full-time

• Fee for UK applicants: £7,710 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year

Part-time

• Not available part-time

Choose Teesside

• Stand out from other job applicants with your higher level qualification, specialist knowledge and expanded networks
• Improve your project management, critical thinking, research skills, time management, presentation skills and teamwork
• The median salary for working-age postgraduates (£45,000) was £6,500 more than for working-age (those aged 16 to 64) graduates (£38,500) in 2022
• Study in our friendly town-centre campus with £280m of recent investment
• Study at Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus and develop your creative and digital skills

More Information

• Sociology: More courses in Sociology

Open Days and Events

• Postgraduate open day: 9.00am - 3.00pm, On campus, Book now

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Social Research Methods (Social Policy) MSc

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Degree Overview:

• Equips students with the necessary skills for a research career and further postgraduate study (e.g., PhD).
• Specifically focuses on social policy within the broader field of research methods.
• Aims to improve student's ability to research and evaluate policy and practice ethically and professionally.
• Conducted in an academic setting, or as a career in social research.
• Emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking.
• Encourages independent learning through workshop-style classes, group activities, and experiential learning.
• Explores data analysis, data collection, and research methods within the context of social policy.
• Requires students to conduct their own research project, with a focus on social policy.
• Possible scholarship opportunities: Sir Keith Skeoch postgraduate scholarship (£2,500).

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Outline:

• Program Structure:
• Four core research methods modules (ESRC compliant).
• Two social policy modules.
• Final research project.
• Core Modules:
• Analysing Data:
Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, including SPSS, data visualization, interpretation, and UK Data Service.
• Comparative Social Policy: Comparative analysis of welfare regimes in European countries, exploring globalization, Europeanization, welfare state typologies, and critical approaches.
• Foundations of Social Research: Relationship between philosophy, theory, and research design; research design and analysis methodologies; formulation of research problems and questions; sampling techniques; ethical considerations; politics and risk in research.
• Methods of Data Collection: Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including new and developing techniques, theoretical and ethical considerations, and choosing appropriate methods for different research questions.
• Social Inequalities: Theoretical and practical exploration of social inequalities, including economic sociology, political economy, cultural inequalities (gender, sexuality, race, age), social relations, case studies, and contemporary social issues.
• Social Research Project: Independent research project on a chosen topic, including research design, methodology, data collection, analysis, and dissertation writing with a dedicated chapter on methodology.
• Studies in Criminology and Social Policy: Advanced exploration of research methods and studies in criminology and social policy, focusing on methodological and empirical innovation, research design, and theoretical contextualization.
• Modules offered may vary.

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Assessment:

• Diverse assessment methods, including:
• Qualitative and quantitative research and analysis exercises.
• Written reports and essays.
• CV development.
• Original research project write-up (dissertation).

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Teaching:

• Lectures and seminars.
• Group and individual activities.
• Debate and discussion with staff and peers.
• Informal and formal feedback on assignments.
• One-to-one teaching with academic staff.

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Careers:

• Potential career opportunities in:
• Local government
• Education
• Health
• Cultural sector
• Policy and practice evaluation
• Project proposal development
• Criminal justice system (police, prison, probation, youth offending services)
• Social services and related voluntary agencies
• Doctoral studies
• College and university teaching

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Other:

• The program is suitable for those who want to improve their research skills and progress their current careers.
• Program length: within 1 year.
• Start date: September.

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Additional Information:

• For more information on fees, international applicants, and open days, please refer to the provided website.

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Please note:

Information about entry requirements, fees, and application process was not included in the provided context.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Fee for UK applicants: £6,710 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year

Teesside University

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Overview:

Teesside University is a public university located in Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, England. It is known for its strong focus on student experience, research, and business partnerships. The university has invested heavily in its campus, offering modern facilities and a vibrant learning environment.

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Services Offered:

Teesside University provides a wide range of services to its students, including:

Undergraduate and postgraduate study:

Offering a diverse selection of programs across various disciplines.

Short courses and CPD:

Providing opportunities for professional development and upskilling.

Online learning:

Delivering flexible and accessible learning options.

International student support:

Providing dedicated services for international students.

Career services:

Offering guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

Student support services:

Providing academic, personal, and financial support to students.

Library and IT facilities:

Offering access to extensive resources and technology.

Accommodation services:

Providing on-campus and off-campus accommodation options.

Sports and recreational facilities:

Offering a variety of sports and leisure activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Teesside University prides itself on its close-knit and supportive community. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with:

Social events and activities:

Offering opportunities to connect with fellow students and engage in extracurricular activities.

Student societies and clubs:

Providing platforms for students to pursue their interests and develop their skills.

Campus facilities:

Including a modern library, sports facilities, and a variety of dining options.

A welcoming and inclusive environment:

Fostering a sense of belonging and diversity.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable excellence:

Offering a high-quality education at a competitive price.

Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

Recognized for its outstanding teaching and student experience.

World-leading research:

Conducting impactful research across various fields.

Strong industry partnerships:

Providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience and develop valuable connections.

Vibrant and supportive community:

Offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students to thrive.

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Academic Programs:

Teesside University offers a wide range of academic programs across six schools:

School of Arts & Creative Industries

School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies

School of Health & Life Sciences

School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law

Teesside University International Business School

University departments

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Other:

Campus Masterplan:

Teesside University has invested £280 million in its campus to enhance the student experience and support the local community.

Strong commitment to equality and diversity:

Recognized as a top employer for its commitment to inclusivity.

Nationally recognized for its services to business:

Providing impactful partnerships with local and global organizations.

Located in a vibrant and affordable region:

Offering a unique blend of urban and rural experiences.