MSc Social Science Research Methods

Overview & facilities

With a key focus on research into real-world problems, this course enhances your academic and employment prospects and provides training across the whole research process.

It meets a range of needs, including those of students who want to progress to a research degree and those professionals who require advanced research skills in their work.Whilst studying this course you gain an overview of social research theories and methodologies, explore ways of conducting research ethically and cross culturally and receive training in quantitative (SPSS) and qualitative (N VIVO) software packages.

Based at our Hendon campus in London, you will benefit from our excellent student facilities, and be taught by a team of experts. You will benefit enormously from the wealth of knowledge and practical experience our staff bring to the courses.

Course highlights:

• Teaching staff are active researchers in a variety of health and social science disciplines
• Step-off points at postgraduate diploma or certificate level
• Practical, hands-on support as you complete a research project in your chosen discipline
  Suitable for professionals

Content & modules

You gain an overview of social research in the public and voluntary sectors, explore ethically and culturally competent research methods and are trained in specialist software packages.

This programme is based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Full-time at least two days a week. Part-time one day.

A formal research proposal, essays, group and individual exercises with real data sets, pilot surveys and reports, critical reviews of research reports and a dissertation.

Modules

• Year 1

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  To design and execute an original project on a substantive or a methodological problem To demonstrate a grasp and synthesis material within a narrow range of inquiry To apply critically a range of methodological approaches to a chosen field of inquiry

  Qualitative Research Methods (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to prepare students to undertake qualitative research in a variety of settings. It provides an introduction to a range of qualitative research methods and a critical awareness of the possibilities and limitations associated with each. It affords experience of qualitative research design, sampling, data collection, analysis and reporting. It introduces computer software NVIVO8 for qualitative analysis with the aim of developing practical skills and a critical appreciation of the benefits and disadvantages of computer software for storing, organising and analysing qualitative data.

  Quantitative Research Methods (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  - to offer a comprehensive account of a range of quantitative research strategies - to use SPSS software in statistical analysis as applicable to the course syllabus.

  Research Methodology and Design (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To familiarise students with the methodological and philosophical context of social research; to raise their awareness of the relationships between different paradigms, methodologies, theories and research designs To familiarise students with the context, ethical and governance frameworks within which social science research takes place in contemporary Britain To discuss some of the key issues, problems and controversies involved in designing and implementing a research project

  Spatial Analysis for Social Science (30 Credits) - Optional

  To introduce techniques for processing and analysing spatial information using a Geographical Information System GIS To apply these techniques to range of social and environmental issues.

  Work Based Learning (30 Credits) - Optional

  To permit stduents to maximise academic value from their everyday employment by allowing them to make explicit links between university and workplace activities, aprticularly relating theory to practice. The module will enable the student to enhance the value of both university and work by focussing on relevant areas of knowledge and developing these through a reflective review of learning in their normal everyday work setting. Specific aims and rationale will be incorporated into a negotiated learning agreement. Students are expected to organise their own learning to reflect the nature of their work-based situation, its constraints, the goals to be achieved and their personal work and learning style. This will involve reading, negotiating, research and relevant practical activities.

  Work Experience Internship (30 Credits) - Optional

  To provide students with an opportunity to work in an organisation which offers an alternative or new experience relevant to their professional career aspirations for a period of 24 days. To develop and apply relevant skills and concepts from the academic programme to this different practica workplace experience. To gain experience in a new area of work, demonstrate a professional approach in the workplace and make a tangible contribution to the work of an organisation. To demonstrate an ability to reflect critically on personal development, to identify personal strengths and weaknesses in the workplace and to develop a personal action plan for addressing weaknesses.

 Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

September 2011 start
UK-EU £3,490
International £10,000

The tuition fee for MSc Social Science Research Methods for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £3,732
Part-time students: £1,866 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £9,700
Part-time students: £4,850 per taught credit