MA Sociological Research Methods

Discover how to turn raw data into useful information which can tell us about how people work. You learn how to gain an understanding of society through carrying out case studies, surveys, and observational research.

Our MA Sociological Research provides a strong foundation in doing empirical research, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. We offer you advanced study of research design and of specific research techniques and their evaluation. In the process you also acquire a critical appreciation of empirical research methodology.

Graduates of this course will understand the connection between theory and empirical methodology, and be able to produce, evaluate and effectively communicate research findings. You explore topics including:

• Debates in contemporary social theory
• The theory and methods of qualitative interviewing
• Quantitative data analysis
• Sociological research design

Our Department of Sociology and Criminology is 2nd in UK for research power in sociology (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).