Keele University Prospectus Postgraduate | 2017 | Page 104

Postgraduate Prospectus 2017

Social Science Research
Methods

Key Information
Course type

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.

MRes, postgraduate diploma,
postgraduate certificate

Mode of study

Full-time or part-time

Indicative entry
requirements
2:1

For a list of full entry
requirements please visit
www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses

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.

Contact email

[e-mail]

Indicative modules

Those taking taught modules only, without producing a dissertation,
may qualify for a postgraduate award (30 credits), a post graduate
certificate (60) credits or a postgraduate diploma (120 credits).
You will study the following indicative core modules:
• Research Skills and Researcher Development
• Principles of Social Science Research
• Quantitative Research and Data Analysis
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 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

Did you
know?

Modules can be tailored to your individual
research interests.

For more information please visit

Amy Jones

MRes Social Science Research
Methods (Sociology) 2011
I am currently studying a PhD
in Sociology and the MRes course
has proved invaluable for my current
research. It gave me the knowledge
and the skills to; design a qualitative
study, incorporating an appropriate
research design and methodology,
analyse data and think critically about
epistemological and ontological
approaches. The MRes course made
my transition to PhD level study easier,
as it broadened my understanding
of research and made me realise
there has to be a well-reasoned
rationale behind every action
taken. Ultimately, the course was
challenging, but equally rewarding,
and without it I would not be
where I am today.

keele.ac.uk/pg/mressocsciresearchmethods
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