Course description
Introduction
This MRes in Social Science Research Methods prepares students for a research-related career by providing a structured programme of training in a range of research skills and methodologies, to enable students to approach a research project in a systematic and professional way.
Increasingly, students wishing to take doctoral programmes are required first to undertake a year’s research training (or equivalent), and this MRes programme will provide that preparation required to successfully complete a PhD in the normal period of 3 years. Until the 1990s, postgraduate research was focused exclusively on the production of an original doctoral thesis. It is now seen as a part of a much broader programme of research training. While the doctoral thesis remains central and is unique for the viva voce examination, issues of research design, research methods for gathering evidence, and procedures for data analysis relevant to the student’s own academic discipline are now also included as part of the explicit research training process. They may also comprise a separate and independent course of study to Masters level, such as this MRes programme.
The MRes is available in all of the social science disciplines offered by Keele.
Course Structure and Content
A Masters degree is 180 credits, made up of taught modules up to 120 credits plus a dissertation of 60 credits. Those taking taught modules only may qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits). For the MRes in Social Science Research Methods, all students are required to take the following compulsory modules:
• Philosophy of the social sciences* (20 credits)
• Research design and process (20 credits)
• Research skills (20 credits)
• Quantitative data analysis I (basic) (20 credits)
• Qualitative data analysis (20 credits)
• One discipline-specific module (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
* Replaced by Social theory/Philosophy of social sciences for Social Policy discipline (ESRC recognition).
Where students are already skilled in data analysis, or as appropriate, it may be possible to substitute one of the following:
• Quantitative data analysis II (advanced) (20 credits)
• Advanced qualitative methods: ethnographic research (20 credits)
All students complete a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation in the area of their choice, on an approved topic. The student’s core discipline will
determine which School the student registers in, the choice of supervisor, the discipline specific module and field of the dissertation topic.
Principal Fields Available for MRes Programmes
The University offers this social science MRes in a number of disciplines – listed at the top of this entry. For students whose interests lie more within the Humanities disciplines there is an MRes Humanities programme available.
Other ESRC Approved Research
Training Programmes
Keele has a number of other social science research training programmes which have been approved by ESRC under their recognition exercise as preparation for a doctoral programme. Separate course leaflets are available for these and ESRC funding may be available under their 1+3 scheme.
• Environmental Politics
• Diplomatic Studies
• Global Security
• International Relations
• Psychological Research Methods
• Psychological Research Methods (Music Psychology)
Assessment
Assessment for modules takes a variety of forms, which may include coursework, written examinations, and a reflective personal portfolio.
Written assignments tend to be of 3-5,000 words. Students must pass all the taught modules before they may proceed to the dissertation.
Career Destination information
The combination of theoretical, empirical and methodological training constitutes ideal preparation for further academic research within a
PhD programme.
Given the emphasis on analytical skills, in particular research design, the survey method, and computer-based analysis of quantitative and
qualitative data, graduates will also be well grounded for careers in social or market research, or work in many parts of the government sector, journalism, consultancy or publishing. Many other careers require the qualities of sound judgement, clear and effective communication and analysis developed by the component modules.
