Program Overview

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Social Science Research (Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work) MA

Overview

The MA Social Sciences Research is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a PhD or research career. There are four pathways:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Social Policy
• Social Work

You will take modules that will provide broad social science research training such as:

• Quantitative analysis
• Qualitative methods
• Research design and ethics

Alongside research-focused modules, you can choose 60 credits from the relevant pathway. You will also complete a dissertation in your area, supported by a member of academic staff.

Why Choose This Course?

• Develop your skills preparing you for a PhD or research career
• Learn from experts within their respective fields
• 89% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework)

Course Content

You will complete 60 credits of core research methods modules, 60 credits from your subject pathway, and a 60-credit dissertation.

Modules

• Core modules
• Pathways

Core Modules

• Fundamentals of Quantitative Analysis
• Research Design, Practice and Ethics
• Foundations in Qualitative Research Methods
• Dissertation for MA Social Science Research (Criminology, Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work)

Pathways

Criminology

• Core:
  • Theoretical Frontiers in Criminology
• Choose 20 credits from:
  • Philosophy of Research - Social Science
  • Migration and Transnationalism
  • Southern Criminology: Decolonising the Study of Crime and Justice
  • Social Work with Adults and Families
  • Social Work with Children and Families
  • Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories

Sociology

• Core:
  • Researching the Social: Contemporary Debates in Sociology
• Choose 20 credits from:
  • Philosophy of Research - Social Science
  • Migration and Transnationalism
  • Southern Criminology: Decolonising the Study of Crime and Justice
  • Social Work with Adults and Families
  • Social Work with Children and Families
  • Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories

Social Policy

• Core:
  • Investigating Social Policy
• Choose 20 credits from:
  • Philosophy of Research - Social Science
  • Migration and Transnationalism
  • Southern Criminology: Decolonising the Study of Crime and Justice
  • Social Work with Adults and Families
  • Social Work with Children and Families
  • Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories

Social Work

• Core:
  • Contemporary Issues and Debates in Social Work
• Choose 20 credits from:
  • Philosophy of Research - Social Science
  • Migration and Transnationalism
  • Southern Criminology: Decolonising the Study of Crime and Justice
  • Social Work with Adults and Families
  • Social Work with Children and Families
  • Policy Analysis: Concepts and Theories

Learning and Assessment

• How you will learn:
  • Seminars
  • Lectures
• How you will be assessed:
  • Essay
  • Group project
  • Presentation
  • Dissertation
  • Coursework

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject in the arts, humanities, or social sciences
• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

Fees

• Home / UK: £11,250
• International: £24,300

Careers

• Careers advice
• Job prospects
• Graduate destinations: 96.7% of postgraduates from the School of Sociology and Social Policy secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £29,395.