Sociology (Applied Social Research)

Introduction

This is a one-year, full-time, or two-year part-time postgraduate degree. The course focus is on sociological research methods, and the intention is to produce graduates ready to embark on research careers in the private, public, voluntary or academic spheres. Modules on qualitative and quantitative methods form the core of the course, along with modules on substantive issues of contemporary relevance. Computer-aided analysis of qualitative data, and statistical analysis of large-scale survey data sets is central to the course. Faculty have extensive research experience in a variety of areas, including the media, social exclusion, stratification and inequality, the restructuring of work, feminist methodologies, community development, education, marriage and divorce. A research dissertation is a key element of the course.

Objectives

• To provide students with state-of-the art methodological skills
• To provide students with an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in all stages of research design, implementation and analysis
• To provide students with an advanced level of knowledge in a number of substantive areas of sociology including social exclusion and social change
• To enable students to carry out high-quality social research, in work or in PhD programmes

Programme Content

The Full-time cohort undertake four module in semester 1 and two modules in semester 2 and complete a dissertation by the end of August.  Part-time students undertake two modules in semester 1, and one or two modules in the following semesters until six modules have been completed and start working on the dissertation in the first semester.  

Semester 1
Quantitative Research Methods 1, Qualitative Research methods 1 Researching Social Exclusion, Researching Social Change.

Semester 2
Quantitative Research Methods 2 or Qualitative Research methods 2 Researching Social Exclusion 2 or Researching Social Change 2 or Researching Health and Illness or the second research methods module, Dissertation.

Summer
Dissertation

Careers

Opportunities for the graduates exist in research in the public, the voluntary and the private sectors

Entrance Requirements 

The basic requirement is a first or second-class Honours degree in sociology or a cognate area or an approved equivalent qualification or an equivalent capability based on prior substantial relevant experience (Primary Degree: Level 8 NQAI). Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of work and undergo an interview.