MA Social Research Methods (Sociology)

Introduction

Sociology as a discipline encompasses the examination and analysis of all aspects of social life and social relations. It explores the ways in which societies, cultures, institutions and practices came into being, how they are currently organised and constituted and how they are changing. An important element of the discipline is the production and the analysis of evidence about the social world at all levels – from processes of globalization to the ways in which people interact socially.

This programme is designed to provide students with a grounding in social research to enable them to develop sociological investigations of the social world. It covers a range of approaches to research – not only in terms of the techniques used by sociologists in research, but also in terms of the theoretical underpinnings of research.

Please note: unlike other routes within the MA Social Research Methods, the MA Social Research Methods (Sociology) at Durham is not a recognised pathway within the North East Doctoral Training Centre.

Students
The programme will be of interest to:

• social science graduates who wish to pursue an academic study of sociological research;
• social science graduates who wish to go on to do a PhD in any area of Sociology;
• social science graduates who want a ‘stand alone’ qualification in sociological research;
• those currently working in fields which employ social research.

Students may also register for individual modules.

Programme Details
The programme is assessed by the accumulation of University Credit Units (UCUs), in multiples of 15. You will be required to complete 180 UCUs for the award of an MA.

The programme comprises the following:

• Contemporary Sociological Theory and Social Transformation  (30)
• Perspectives on Social Research  (15)
• Statistical Exploration and Reasoning  (15)
• Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences  (15)
• Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences  (15)
• Philosophy of Social Research  (15)
• Computer-based application in Social Research  (15)
• Research Design and Process (PDF) (15)
• Dissertation (PDF) (45)

Duration
Full-time: one year over three consecutive terms
Part-time: two years, plus completion of the dissertation

Assessment
One essay or report per 15 UCUs, plus a dissertation.

Entry Requirements
Normally applicants should have at least a 2.i degree (or its equivalent).

Fees
The fees can be found on the University webpages.

Applications
For further details contact the Programme Convenor, or for further information on how to apply please contact:
The Programme Secretary
Taught Graduate Programme
School of Applied Social Sciences
Durham University
Elvet Riverside 2
Durham
DH1 3JT

Email: sass.pgadmissions@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 334 1505
Fax: 0191 334 1401