Program Overview

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Our MSD in Social Policy offers you a unique opportunity to undertake research in a variety of social contexts. You may be interested in the questions around the development and implementation of social policy, in asking questions about why some policies work (and others do not) or in studying the relationships between different groups of people in the policy process, but whatever your specific research interests we are likely to have a supervisor with the experience to support you in this process. You will be offered opportunities to access our Masters level research methods modules to provide a sound foundation of specific research knowledge and skills. In addition, you will have access to the University’s Proficio research training scheme which allows you to choose training programmes that meet the requirements of your own research topics and methodologies. This MSD is offered on a 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time basis. Some people choose to do an MSD before applying to undertake a PhD in order to develop their research skills and knowledge and to demonstrate their self-discipline and time management skills to potential supervisors or funders. The School of Health and Social Care is proud to work closely with our Service User Reference Group (SURG). SURG is made up of service users, carers, and volunteers who generously share their first-hand experiences of health and social care. We work collaboratively with SURG to design our courses to ensure that we truly are putting the needs of patients and clients at the heart of what we do. SURG are involved as part of our course application processes and often form part of our interview panels. This helps us to be confident that we are selecting the right applicants for the course and their future careers. SURG members also support the delivery of our teaching sessions and research activity, which means you’ll benefit from an insight into their lived experiences of living with a diagnosis, health condition, or circumstance. You’ll find that not only does your clinical knowledge expand, but your empathy, compassion and ability to advocate develops also. You can find out more about SURG by reading their blog here . Why we're great.

• Our School of Health and Social Care offers a multidisciplinary environment with an excellent reputation for research and teaching.
• A unique feature of our School is that many of our staff work with local National Health Service (NHS) Trusts and other local agencies, which enhances our grasp of the contemporary links between academic research, the major issues of the day and practice.
• We have research interest groups in ‘Developing Professional Practice’ and ‘Applied Health Research’, and host the NIHR Research Design Service for the East of England.

Our expert staff

Within the School of Health and Social Care, we have a number of Medical Sociologists and registered Health Professionals with experience in the field of Social Policy who are also research supervisors. This allows you to develop the ability to understand and critique policy processes alongside the necessary research rigour to undertake such a MSD. Your supervisor(s) will guide you in developing your research plans and support you in your self-directed learning. You will also have two supervisory panels a year (one for part-time students) which will allow your progress to be monitored in a more formal manner.

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Specialist facilities

The School has access to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building. We also have an open-access reception area where staff and students meet for social events. As part of the University, you have access to our state-of-the-art library and the very latest equipment and IT facilities to assist you with the effective learning and acquisition of new skills. As a School, we have purpose built facilities where you can meet to discuss your progress and ongoing work. Our staff offer approachable support at all levels. Our university student support network can also offer you help with personal and study issues during your time with us. You also have access to an excellent theatre and sports and social club experiences at Essex.

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Your future

Our Graduates have gone on to take up posts in both clinical and management positions in Trusts, hospitals and care organisations as well as in local and county councils.