Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

These programmes are designed to produce graduates with rigorous research and analytical skills, who are well equipped to progress onto being high level researchers in their chosen field of study. 

Students will

• gain understanding of key epistemological and ontological debates that frame social science research;
• gain advanced knowledge of the methodologies, processes, designs and practices involved in social science research;
• acquire in-depth training in the conduct and management of research, from its commencement to its conclusion;
• explore and reflect on their developing research skills in the context of their areas of research interest and their growth as creative and independent researchers;
• critically analyse ethical aspects of academic research and gain advanced ability to deal with ethical problems and challenges;
• be able to apply all of the above in the context associated with their chosen programme. 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Economic and Social Research Council’s requirements for Doctoral Training Pathways (see http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding/funding-opportunities/call-for-doctoral-training-partnerships-dtps/). 

UK Quality Code for Higher Education, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012 (Part A: Setting and Maintaining Academic Standards). 

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), the QAA, August 2008. 

Master’s Degree Characteristics, QAA, March 2010.

The Higher Education Credit Framework for England, QAA, 2008. 

The Quality Code, Part B: Assuring and Enhancing Academic Ability 

Chapter B1: Programme Design, Development and Approval 

Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching 

Chapter B4: Enabling Student Development and Achievement 

Chapter B6: Assessment of Students

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1 use a diverse range of quantitative and qualitative research methods in investigating social processes and phenomena;

P2 use appropriate technology to assist in the generation, collation and analysis of research data;

P3 communicate and publish the results of their research, on the basis of the formative and summative feedback delivered through the programme.

P4 analyse the theoretical foundations and research methods used in their research areas.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1 communicate ideas, arguments, research rationales and findings effectively to a range of academic and non-academic audiences;

T2 interact positively with their peers, and a range of academic colleagues, acknowledging challenges in or limitations to their work and thinking;

T3 demonstrate self direction in tackling and solving research problems, act autonomously in pla.nning research tasks

4. Programme structure

C=compulsory

O=optional

*NB Students will choose two 10 credit optional modules from four Advanced Methods modules listed above. 

^#MSc Social Science Research Methods (Business Management) students should choose either the Specialist Research Methods (Finance) module or the Specialist Research Methods (Management) module.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

Each module in the programme will be assessed and credit awarded in accordance with the levels of achievement specified in Regulation XXI.

Candidates who have studied a particular module, completed the relevant assignments according to a timetable agreed with the School and passed in accordance with XXI are eligible for the award of credit in that module. 

In order to be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master, the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), candidates must not only satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI but also: 

1. to be eligible for the award of PG Cert in Social Science Research candidates must have, over a period of not more than three years, accumulated minimally 60 credits in the following core modules: Philosophy of Social Science (EUP133), Quantitative Research Methods (BSP011) and Research Design and Practice (EUP132);
   
   
2. to be eligible for the award of PG Dip in Social Science Research candidates must have, over a period of not more than five years:
   
   
   • studied the core modules Philosophy of Social Science (EUP133), Quantitative Research Methods (BSP011), Research Design and Practice (EUP132) and Qualitative Research Methods (PSP510), two 10 credit advanced training modules and the subject specific module relevant to their programme pathway AND
     
     
   • accumulated minimally 100 credits, excluding the 60 credit major project, and module marks of not less than 40% in further modules with a weight of 20.
     
     
3. to be eligible for the award of MSc in Social Science Research (Pathway) candidates must have, over a period of not more than eight years:
   
   
   • studied the core modules Philosophy of Social Science (EUP133), Quantitative Research Methods (BSP011), Research Design and Practice (EUP132) and Qualitative Research Methods (PSP510), two 10 credit advanced training modules, the subject specific module relevant to their programme pathway and dissertation AND
     
     
   • accumulated minimally 150 credits and module marks of not less than 40% in further modules with a weight of 30 are eligible for the award of MSc in Social Science Research (Pathway) where the Pathway is Communication and Media, Education, Business and Management, Social Policy or Sports and Exercise Science.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not applicable