Social Research Methods (Social Policy)

Teesside University

United Kingdom, Middlesbrough

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Teesside University

United Kingdom , Middlesbrough

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 15,000 / year

Next Intake September-2024

Social Research Methods (Social Policy)

About

You will take four social research methods modules which meet the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). These core modules will be taken by students across different disciplinary pathways. We encourage you to apply your pathway knowledge throughout these modules. You will also study two social policy modules. This will allow you to balance the necessary research methods training requirements with specific disciplinary knowledge. In order to successfully complete the master's programme you will conduct and complete your own research project of your own choice which should have a social policy focus.

This course is suitable for you if you are looking to improve or develop your ability to research and evaluate policy and practice ethically and professionally, and if you are wishing to conduct research in an academic setting or pursue a career as a social researcher. The programme draws heavily on learning strategies which encourage and promote independent learning and critical thinking. Taught sessions will be delivered as workshop-style classes which place emphasis on group and individual activities. The programme is designed to continually address the connections between theory and research practice. Therefore, experiential learning is a core element of programme provision and students will be expected to actively participate in class and preparation activities. This will include making use of practical methods for finding and retrieving information, examining methods of data collection and conducting analysis of data.

This course aims to prepare you for a research career and equip you with the necessary skills for further postgraduate study such as a PhD. The social policy pathway aims to bring together a core training in research methods within the specific disciplinary field of social policy.

Core modules

Analysing Data

You gain a thorough grounding in quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. You will be introduced to the UK Data Service and explore the range of data available. The module will focus on quantitative analysis using SPSS as a tool to conduct exploratory and inferential statistical analysis. You will learn key assumptions associated with making appropriate analysis decisions, and will also be introduced to key qualitative data analysis techniques and relevant software. This module will also consider visualising and representing data and developing interpretations of findings.

Comparative Social Policy

This module adopts a comparative perspective on the study of social policy, with a particular focus on comparing the different welfare regimes in European countries. It will discuss the validity of the welfare regime division and offer analytical tools to examine the processes of Europeanisation and globalisation affecting the welfare states. The module will begin with an exploration of comparative social policy, and the various theorisations of welfare regime analysis. In particular, it confronts the theories of welfare retrenchment with those supporting the idea of a path-dependency and continuity in the provisions of welfare states. The next section will focus on welfare systems in specific parts of Europe: social policy in Nordic Countries; Continental Countries and Southern European countries; Liberal countries; and the so-called 'second world' (Eastern Europe). This part will offer you the chance to deepen your understanding of welfare states outside the UK. The last part will be concerned with discussion the emerging supranational processes (the influence of the EU and the effects of globalisation) and will include examples from outside Europe, in particular from developing and emerging countries in Asia. This part aims to discuss the existence of a European Social Model and the challenges posed by globalisation. The final part will cover critical theories and methodologies in comparative research. It will examine welfare regimes divisions based on gender and ethnic differences and discuss the tools adopted in comparative research.

Foundations of Social Research

This module will introduce you to the relationship between philosophy, theory and social research.You will examine major debates in epistemology and consider how this relates to decisions research design and analysis. You will also learn how to conceptualise and design social research, paying particular attention to the rationale for using research methodologies. You will learn how to define and formulate research problems and questions. Issues such as decisions around sampling strategy, sampling error and implications for research findings will also be considered. You will also examine concepts used to evaluate social research and understand competing arguments for how these are defined. Throughout the module, you consider debates in relation to ethics, politics and risk in social research whilst addressing the balance of theory and practice.

Methods of Data Collection

This module aims to give you a thorough grounding in both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Embedded in relation to theory, practice and ethics, you will examine core research methods used in social research in addition to new and developing techniques for collecting data. You also examine the advantages and disadvantages of different research methods and consider this in relation to identifying the most suitable method of data collection for different types of research questions.

Social Inequalities

You study complementary blocks of teaching. In the first block, you gain a theoretical overview of sociological context and explanation for myriad issues relating to the topic of social inequality. You explore economic sociology and political economy, with explanatory frameworks for inequality of income. You look at cultural inequalities in gender, sexuality, race and age, focusing on factors of identity. You also cover social relations, looking at the relationship between people in contemporary society, defined by consumerism, ideology, sociality and belonging, community, competition, status and other concepts.
In the second block, you contextualise the theoretical overview of social inequalities and social harms with case studies and guest speakers who outline specific examples of social inequality. Case studies and speakers cover things such as focused discussion on poverty, employment, leisure, politics, crime, debt, identity, social integration and interpersonal relations. You explore the factors relating to inequality and apply theory as explanatory frameworks for each case study. You combine social theory with the problems facing society in the early 21st-century.

Social Research Project

You have the opportunity to demonstrate your research skills through a piece of independent social research. You will identify a research topic, formulate a research question and conduct an appropriate piece of research and then write about it. You submit the written output of this research in the form of a dissertation which will include a distinctive chapter on methodology. You will work with an academic supervisor who will oversee the project and act as a mentor throughout the process. You are responsible for managing all aspects of your project and for meeting necessary requirements - such as receiving research ethics approval before conducting any research.

Studies in Criminology and Social Policy

You examine methodological and empirically innovative or significant research methods and studies in criminology and social policy. You explore a broad range of research design and methods to expand your understanding and awareness of approaches to social research. You contextualise theory and method to research studies in criminology and social policy.

Modules offered may vary.

How you learn

You learn by: attending lectures and seminars; discussing key readings; through group and individual activities and exercises; through debate and discussion with staff and other students; through informal and formal feedback on assignments; and through one-to-one teaching with members of academic staff.

How you are assessed

You are assessed through a wide variety of methods including qualitative and quantitative research and analysis exercises, written reports, essays, CV development and an original piece of research which is written up as an article or report (dissertation).

Disciplines

Sociology

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A bachelor degree with a minimum of 65%, 2.5/4.0 or good

Career

Graduates are equipped to work within local government, education, health, the cultural sector, or anywhere where policies and practices are evaluated and inform future development. Graduates also work in employment arenas where it is important to submit well-crafted and conceptualised bids and proposals for projects. It is an appropriate course for those wanting to progress their current careers by increasing their research skills.

Opportunities also exist in the criminal justice system (including the police, prison, probation and youth offending services). This programme is also ideal if you're interested in working (or already work) in social services and related voluntary agencies. Some of our MSc students continue to doctoral studies and/or work at colleges and universities.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 15,000

How to Apply

Applying Online - Information Required to Complete Your Application

Personal Details

- Full Name, including title
- Sex
- Date of Birth
- E-mail Address
- Telephone Number
- Home and Correspondence addresses, including postcode
- Alternative email Addresses
- Country of Permanent Residence or Local Authority
- Country of Birth
- Nationality
- Ethnicity - this data will not be accessible to those making the application decision
- Type of applicant - choose from UK/EU or Overseas
- Who is entering the application - choose from Applicant, University Staff/Overseas Office or Other Third Party
- Disability
- Whether your parents/guardians have Higher Education qualifications
- Details of any previous study or application to this University

Payment of Fees

- Who is paying your fees
- Name and address of your Fee Payer
- Details of any previous funding body and previous course

Overseas Applicants Only

- Date of entry to UK/EU
- Passport Number (if you need a visa)
- Previous UK study, including details of any previous visas, overstays in the UK and visa refusals

University Staff and Office/Agent Applications Only

- School/Office Code
- Agent Code
- Agent Name
- Agent Company
- Reference Number

Qualifications

Qualifications Held (maximum of 6)
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this information is not requested)

- Year and month awarded
- Qualification type, level and subject
- Grade
- Awarding Establishment e.g. College/University Name

Qualifications Pending (maximum of 6)
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this information is not requested)

- Year and month of exam
- Qualification type, level and subject
- Date grade expected
- Awarding Establishment e.g. College/University Name

Highest qualification

Portfolio Details

Foreign Language Courses Only

- Qualifications and experience in chosen language
- where more than one occurence of a courses runs in paralell, indicate which group you wish to join

Professional Qualifications

- Professional/Statutory Body and Registration PIN
- Other course specific professional details as required

School of Health & Social Care courses only

- NHS PIN
- NHS Trust / Practice details
- National Insurance Number
- Assignment/Employee Number
- Line manager name and email address
- Full or part time
- Pay band
- Profession, Staff Group and Job Role
- Other course specific details as required

Social Work Practice Education courses only

- Social Work Registration Number

Erasmus Applications

Details of the Exchange Co-ordinator at Your Home Institution
- Name
- Position
- Email Address

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

- Unique Learner Number
- National Insurance Number
- *Employer Code
- *Employer Postcode (This is your normal place of work which may be different from the company's main postcode)
- *Number of employees at this postcode
- Highest level qualifications in English language and mathematics

*Your employer should be able to supply this information

Last Two Education Establishments Attended
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this information is not requested)

- Name and address
- Dates from and to
- Full or Part time
- Level of study

English Language Ability
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this information is not requested)

Whether English is your first language

If not

- IELTS - score, date of exam and Test Report Form Number
- Other test - name, score and date of exam

Work Experience (maximum of 2)
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, a reduced set of employment information is requested)

- Employers name
- Job title
- Dates from and to
- Full or Part time
- Main responsibilities

Summer & Winter University Courses Only

- Whether you are enrolled or due to enrol on a college or university course
- If so, where and which course
- Whether you are thinking of starting a Higher Education course
- If so, area of interest/study
- Reason for applying to Summer/Winter University

Referee
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this information is not requested)

- Name
- Address
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Note : some course will require two referees, e.g. PHD courses

Personal Statement
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this information is not requested)

Can be uploaded as a document or entered as text

It is suggested that your statement is prepared electronically in advance of starting the application

Enrolment

Some short courses may ask you to provide enrolment information as part of the application. This will require extra details but also means you will not be asked to complete the full on-line registration process at a later date.

This data will not be accessible to those making the application decision

- Type of Term-time Accomodation
- Next of Kin Name
- Next of Kin Telephone Number
- Next of Kin Relationship
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- Criminal Conviction Declaration

Documents currently available for upload
(For certain courses e.g. Summer University courses & other short courses, this option is not available)

- Reference
- Personal Statement
- CV
- Results
- Proof of English Language Qualifications, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL certificate
- Passport
- Previous Visas
- Previous Visa Refusals

For Research courses, the following additional uploads are mandatory

- Research Proposal
- Research Training Document
- Research Personal Statement
- Research Sponsorship/funding letter