COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Social Research offers rigorous interdisciplinary training in both traditional and innovative research methods, preparing students to critically engage with key methodological debates and acquire the practical skills necessary to conduct research. The course is assessed through coursework only, with no exams, allowing students to focus on applying their learning in real-world contexts.The module "Research Designs, Practice and Ethics" provides an overview of the main approaches in health and social science research. It emphasizes the importance of research design, strategy, and quality assurance, with a strong focus on ethics, introducing students to the ESRC Framework for Research Ethics. "Foundations in Qualitative Research" covers the planning, execution, and evaluation of qualitative research, with a focus on traditional and novel research methods such as interviews, focus groups, and ethnography. Students gain practical experience in designing data collection tools and conducting qualitative data analysis. "Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods" focuses on the principles of data collection and statistical analysis, teaching students how to create and interpret quantitative datasets. The module "Health and Wellbeing Through the Life Course" enables students to explore current research and theories surrounding health, with a focus on social justice, health inequalities, and wellbeing across different life stages. "Understanding Research Strategies and Approaches in the Social Sciences" delves into the philosophical and theoretical assumptions behind different research approaches, encouraging students to consider the implications of equality, diversity, and inclusion in their research design. Finally, the MSc Social Research Dissertation provides an opportunity for students to undertake an independent research project, typically involving data collection and analysis in the field of health and wellbeing. Students complete a 15,000-word dissertation along with stakeholder engagement plans and dissemination strategies for their findings.