Social Science Research Methods (MSc)
Students may study on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 year) basis.
The programme aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences. Students are provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social data.
Cardiff is one of the premier academic institutions in Britain and Europe for the study of social science research methods. The MSc in Social Science Research Methods is a leading degree in this subject area. Our staff are at the forefront of research in this field. Students at Cardiff benefit from being at one of the top ten research universities in Britain. Postgraduate students are a growing proportion of students in the social sciences. They have access to a dedicated Graduate Centre and computer facilities. The degree programme is supported by small group seminars and supervision by research-active academic staff.
Programme of Study
Co-ordinated by the Research and Graduate School in the Social Sciences, the Programme draws upon the expertise of a wide range of staff from different social science disciplines and departments. Candidates registered within the School of Social Sciences must take core modules which are complemented by a range of electives some of which are required options depending on the pathway of study. There are 6 social science pathways (there are also pathways through Business Studies and Psychology):
- Criminology (Socio Legal) (Pathway Page)
- Education (Pathway Page)
- Science, Technology and Innovation (Pathway Page)
- Social Policy (Pathway Page)
- Social Work (Pathway Page)
- Sociology (Pathway Page) (includes specialisms in 'Global Political Economy', 'Psycho-Social Studies' and 'Health Medicine and Illness')
Period of Study
The period of study is twelve months (October - September). The taught coursework takes place over two semesters (October - June). The dissertation is begun in the second semester but is completed during the summer months. The summer is a period of independent research with one to one supervision.
Admission Requirements
Candidates should normally have an upper second class degree but strengths in other areas will be considered; or an equivalent qualification. In addition, applicants will be considered if they can demonstrate, through some recent and relevant experience, that they have the ability to undertake the course. Where English is not the applicant's first language, we do require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or above (including a score of at least 6.5 in the reading element and 6.0 in the writing element).
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. There is no deadline.
Academic Staff
- Barbara Adam: Time theory, risk society and uncertainty, environmental sustainability
- Susan Baker: Environmental policy and politics, sustainable development
- Huw Beynon: Economic sociology, community and social solidarity, labour markets and labour process
- Finn Bowring: Marxism, critical theory, work and no-work, humanism, biotechnology
- Phil Brown: Education, employability and the labour market, globalisation and skills formation
- Amanda Coffey: Qualitative research methods
- Harry Collins: Scientific knowledge, public understanding of science
- Sara Delamont: Research skills
- Bella Dicks: Cultural sociology
- Debbie Epstein: Gender and Sexuality
- Robert Evans: Quantitative methodologies
- Gabrielle Ivinson: Ethnography
- Martin Jephcote: Interviews, life histories, narrative accounts
- Joanna Latimer: Ethnography, discourse, textual analysis
- Theo Nichols: Comparative research
- Emma Renold: Qualitative methodology
- Amanda Robinson: Quantitative methodologies
- Jane Salisbury: Qualitative methodology
- Chris Taylor: Secondary data analysis, research design
- Valerie Walkerdine: Gender and Psychology
- Matthew Williams: Qualitative methodologies
Dissertation
The dissertation (max. 20,000 words) is a core component of the degree and allows the student to focus on a particular aspect of research methodology. Topics are formulated through discussion with your supervisor and other staff members.
See this course on the University's Coursefinder website.