Keele University Prospectus Postgraduate | 2016 | Page 74

SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY Social Science Research Methods  Overview Our MRes in Social Science Research Methods offers subject routes in Criminology, Education, Gerontology, Health Policy, Management, Social Work and Sociology. The programme is designed to provide training in a range of research skills and methodologies essential to the systematic research practice demanded in many professional environments, or to pave the way to further postgraduate study. As such the programme is open to graduates looking to pursue an academic or research related career and those seeking to enhance their practical social research skills for professional purposes. Modules are taught by experts in their field and will introduce concepts and skills that will enable you to pursue an independent research project of your choice. Additional information The MRes programme requires satisfactory completion of 180 credits, comprised of modules up to 120 credits, plus a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits. Taught modules consist of face to face contact between staff and students, supported by online content, while the independent subject specific training modules and the dissertation are supported by regular individual supervision. There are a broad range of assessment methods to evaluate your analytical abilities and your critical engagement with relevant debates, approaches, theories, scholarship and evidence. These include portfolios, essays, research proposals, reviews, reports, exams, learning plans, pilot studies and the dissertation. Written assignments for taught modules vary in length from 1,500 word reports to 5,000 word personal development portfolios. Key Information Course type MRes, postgraduate diploma, postgraduate certificate Mode of study Full-time or part-time Entry requirements • Principles of Social Science Research Applicants require a second-class honours degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant social science subject. However, students from different backgrounds who believe they have the capacity to undertake postgraduate work in the social sciences should contact us to discuss their situation. Applicants for whom English is a second language will need at least 6.5 in IELTS test scores (or equivalent). • Quantitative Research and Data Analysis Contact email Module titles Those taking taught modules only, without producing a dissertation, may qualify for a postgraduate award (30 credits), a postgraduate certificate (60 credits) or a postgraduate diploma (120 credits). You will study the following core modules: • Research Skills and Researcher Development • Qualitative Research Methods [email protected] • Subject-Specific Training I • Dissertation The following is a list of indicative elective modules: • Subject-Specific Training II • Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis • Advanced Qualitative Research Methods • Ethnographic Research Good to know 74 www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/ mressocialscienceresearchmethods Modules can be tailored to your individual research interests.