Social Science Research Methods

Entry requirements

Applicants should be graduates normally with a good honours degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant social science subject. However, students from different backgrounds who believe they have the capacity to undertake postgraduate work in the social sciences should contact the university to discuss their situation.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The overarching aim of the MRes in Social Science Research Methods is to provide interdisciplinary research and researcher training. You will follow a programme of taught modules that will equip you with the skills to be able to successfully conduct social research within a variety of professional and intellectual contexts. Throughout the year you will be supported to develop an original piece of applied research by an expert supervisor.

The programme is recognised as fulfilling the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) postgraduate social science research training and development and as the first year of 1+3 awards made by the ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership to students registered at Keele University.

The general aims of the programme are as follows:

• To equip participants with a ‘toolkit’ for research design, consisting of a range of social science research methods and strategies
• To explore in detail the philosophical assumptions underlying contemporary research in the social sciences
• To develop the qualities needed to evaluate critically social science research
• To provide practice in a range of transferable skills, improve existing skills and enhance employability, whether in an academic environment or other professional context
• To apply more general methods and philosophies to the student’s own research interests and to gain an in-depth understanding of the current issues related to that discipline