MSc Applied Social Research

Overview

This Masters course provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to carry out robust social research and evaluation.

You’ll learn how to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity. You’ll also critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research. Finally, you’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between research and policymaking.

Our MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies, as well as preparing you for an ESRC-recognised interdisciplinary PhD in Families, Relationships and Demographic Change and Social Care. Students can also exit with PGCert and PGDip awards.

Course objectives

The objective of our MSc Applied Social Research is to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity. Your studies will enable you to:

• critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research
• examine issues concerning social research design and the application of techniques of research analysis
• develop your understanding of the relationship between research and policy, and the meanings of evaluation, its terminology, practice and use