StudyQA — Master: Sociology, Planning and Policy

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This course is hosted by the Faculty of Development and Society Graduate School. The Graduate School website provides a communication hub for students and staff engaged in research, information about our research work, and useful contact information.

During this course we introduce you to social research methods and strategies, and the supporting theories and philosophies. You can also develop areas of specialist interests.

It is for people with a first degree in social sciences who plan to

* work in areas of social policy and sociology or
* carry out research in these and related subject areas

In some modules, you meet and discuss research issues with students from other MA/MSc Social Science Research Methods (SSRM) courses.

Our staff are currently involved in research areas including

* labour market and occupational studies
* health policy
* discourse and identities
* European, international and comparative politics and policy
* heritage and environment policy and practice
* visual ethnography
* sacred sites and pagan spirituality
* education and social class
* poverty and inclusion
* ethnicity and religion
* media
* social activism
* illness and medicines usage
* sexualities and gender
* violence and society
* teenage pregnancy and parenting
* carers and employment
* work and family life

You study a range of research methods including

* biographical research
* case study
* ethnography
* experimental design
* media analysis
* survey design and analysis.

You can take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards an MA, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate. The MA includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD.

Associated careers

This course gives you the skills needed to carry out independent research. You learn to consider the research problems and associated ethical issues and select a suitable approach. The skills and knowledge you gain are in great demand by many organisations.

You need

* 60 credits for the postgraduate certificate
* 120 credits for the postgraduate diploma
* 180 credits for the MA

You chose up to 120 credits from

* qualitative research methods (60 credits)
* survey design and analysis (60 credits) or advanced quantitative research methods (60 credits)
* social theory and social research (30 credits)
* research designs for the social sciences (30 credits)
* 30 credit module from another course in our MA/MSc programme

For the MA you need to finish the postgraduate diploma and then present a 60 credit dissertation, which requires you to conduct a research investigation.

Before you can take some modules you may have to provide evidence of study in that subject, or a related one at a lower level.

Attendance

Depending on your route and starting time (September or February), classes run in the evenings and/or in blocks of study during the day.

Normally an honours degree or equivalent in a suitable subject. If you have suitable qualifications or experience you may be exempt from some modules.International students must also have an IELTS score of 6.5. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.