Doctor of Applied Social Research

at University of Stirling

The core modules give you the opportunity to build high quality research skills and learn from each other’s experiences as professionals. Each professional pathway then offers a choice of modules from which two may be selected to tailor your own course. Choose the professional pathway that’s right for you with a host of optional modules in seven diverse fields:
 

Housing
This pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Providing Housing Services; Sustainable Communities; Organisational Behaviour; Delivering Affordable Housing; Housing Governance; Healthy Housing.
 

Social Work
Our Social Work pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Understanding Children and Young People's needs; Understanding Children and Young People's Needs; Improving Outcomes for Children and Young People; and several others.
 

Dementia Studies
This pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Evaluation and Assessment in Dementia Care and Researching Dementia.
 

Drug and Alcohol Studies
Our Drug and Alcohol Studies pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Understanding Addiction: Society, Policy and Practice and Understanding Addiction: Treatment and Recovery.
 

Family Therapy
As the only doctorate of its kind in Scotland, the Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Family Therapy) is for family therapists and systemic practitioners who want to develop as a researcher, complementing existing clinical skills and knowledge.
 

Applied Social Research
The Applied Social Research pathway includes a choice of specialist modules in Comparative Social Research; Policy Analysis and Evaluation Research.
 

Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
 

Year 1, Autumn semester

Compulsory module

• Research Design and Process (ASRP002)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• Social Network Analysis (SSSP001)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• Quantitative Data Analysis (ASRP004)    20 credits
   

Year 1, Spring semester

Compulsory module

• The Nature of Social Enquiry (ASRP001)    20 credits
   

Compulsory module

• Qualitative Data Analysis (ASRP005)    20 credits

Option module
 

Select 20 credits from DASR options A list

• Policy Analysis and Evaluation Research (ASRP007)    20 credits
• Advanced Quantitative Methods (ASRP026)    20 credits
• Theory & Methods of Digital Social Research (EDRP002)    20 credits
• Advanced Data Management (SSSP005)    10 credits
   

Year 2, Autumn semester

Compulsory module

• Professional Practice Research (ASRP020)    60 credits

English language requirements
 

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in speaking and listening
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 overall with a minimum of 176 in reading and writing and 169 in speaking and listening
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 180 in reading and writing and 169 in speaking and listening
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 62 in reading and writing and 60 in speaking and listening
• IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 21 in speaking and 19 in listening
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 80 overall with a minimum of 19 in reading, 24 in writing, 21 in speaking and 19 in listening
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a minimum of Merit in speaking and listening and distinction in reading and writing, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 105 overall with a minimum of 105 in reading and writing and 95 in speaking and listening
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass with a minimum of 152/200 overall including 38 in reading and writing, and 33 in speaking and listening
   

Undergraduate
 

Direct Entry to 1st Year:
 

Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 65% and above from the following state boards:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Students from other state boards will require Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 75%.
 

Advanced Entry to 2nd Year:
 

Year 12 Grade – cumulative score of 75% and above from the following state boards:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Advanced entry is possible on a range of courses. Student applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
 

Please note that advanced entry options for students who have scored 35 in the International Baccalaureate or GCE A-Levels ABB in one sitting will also be considered on a case by case basis.
 

Postgraduate

Students who score 70% in English in Year 12 from the following exam boards won't be required to submit IELTS, if studied within 5 years of our course start date:

• CBSE
• ISC/ICSE
• Metro state boards (Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal)
   

Students from other state boards will either need 80% in English if studied within 5 years of the course start date, or a UKVI SELT, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic, depending on the state board, taken within 2 years of our course start date.
 

Students who meet the above criteria, but Year 12 scores are between 6 and 10 years old, will also be required to submit an official letter from their university or college, stating that the medium of instruction (MOI) was in English, and confirming graduation is within 5 years of our course start date.

Overseas (non-EU) students

2022/23 - £11,538
 

Course fees

Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.

• If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
• If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
   

Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
 

European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

As both a professional and a research student, you’ll find a supportive environment within the University for putting research into practice and having a direct impact on people’s lives. As a Doctor of Applied Social Research student you’ll also frequently find yourself at the forefront of cutting-edge developments and initiatives in your organisation. This can help you to develop your career to a new level, or open up interesting consultancy opportunities. You may also choose to carry out further research and build an academic career.
 

• Develop and advance in your profession as you study for your Doctor of Applied Social Research
• Open up opportunities in consultancy, academia or your current job role
• Grow your network of professional contacts