MA in Social Research Methods

at Durham University

Course structure

You will take a range of taught modules that will enable you to develop advanced understanding and skills in social research.

Those taking this course will study modules totalling 180 credits. Indicative content is listed below: subject to potential minor changes from year to year.

A 30 credit thematic module chosen from:
 

• Criminology: Theory and Critical Issues

• Social Policy and Society

• Public Sociology: Theory and Practice

• Social Work Context and Practice.

In addition, core modules will be taken as follows:

Quantitative Methods and Analysis:
 

• Developing knowledge and skills in statistical analysis.

• Using statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets.

• Making appropriate statistical inferences and exploring associations between social phenomena.

Qualitative Methods and Analysis:
 

• Overview of qualitative research, including different qualitative methodological approaches.

• Practical issues in conducting qualitative research.

• Qualitative data analysis.

Computational Research Methods in Social Science:
 

• Exploring complexity and case-based analysis approaches to data.

• Review of related methodologies such as those involving data mining and big data.

• Developing a working knowledge of several widely-used methods.

Research Design and Process:
 

• Formulating research questions and appropriate designs.

• Evaluating and developing research proposals.

• Planning and managing the research process, including practical and ethical issues, with a particular focus on supporting the dissertation research process.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social Research:
 

• Exploring the nature of social scientific research, including issues associated with establishing cause and meaning within it.

• Consider different disciplinary and ethical issues associated with different approaches to social scientific research.

In addition, students will take a relevant 15 credit optional module developing a particular aspect of research further; for example, in previous years, one option has been:

Participatory Action Research:
 

• History and origins of Participatory Action Research; key values and ethical/political issues.

• Theorising and critiquing PAR.

• Participatory approaches to research design, process, analysis, dissemination and implementation, including working with partner organisations to influence change.

Other anticipated optional modules (subject to availability) include those focused on advanced ethnographic research, intermediate statistics, multi-level modelling, simulating data in R, and/or systematic review.

This Masters degree is completed by undertaking a 15,000 word dissertation (60 credits) based on a supervised research project.

Normally a second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent.

An undergraduate degree in social sciences is desirable but not compulsory and we welcome students with degrees in arts, humanities and science subjects. You should demonstrate clearly why you are interested in the MSc in your personal statement.

We are also keen to consider applications with a professional background in criminal justice.

Additional requirements

When submitting your online application, you will also need to provide:
 

1. Current Transcript and Certificate (if possible)
2. Two academic references (it is the applicant's responsibility to obtain their references from their referees).

Fees and funding
 

• Home students    £8,700 per year
• EU students    £21,360 per year
• Island students    £8,700 per year
• International students    £21,360 per year

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Our degrees are an excellent foundation for careers in a wide range of sectors, including health and welfare, the Civil Service, local government, the voluntary sector, banking and academia. We support students in gaining excellent employability skills. As well as pursuing further study, recent graduates have proceeded to careers with a range of high-profile employers.