University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2017/18 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Social Sciences and Law > School of Economics, Finance and Management > Social Science Research Methods (Management) (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 9EFIM002T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Rutvica Andrijasevic
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Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
School/department | School of Economics, Finance and Management |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme seeks to provide excellence in teaching and learning within a high quality research environment. It aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the range of skills required by a researcher working in the social sciences in general, and Management in particular (where ‘management is broadly defined to include the private, public and third/voluntary sectors). The curriculum is designed to cover all the elements of the ESRC research training guidelines, to facilitate recognition by the ESRC as a Research Training Masters and as the first year of an ESRC-funded 1+3 training. It provides in-depth knowledge of the generic skills required by social scientists (mainly delivered in TB1) and of subject specific skills relevant to management. The programme therefore includes units on core skills in social research, covering library, database and internet searching, IT skills, engaging with ethical and legal questions, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods. These methodological skills are supported by discussion of epistemological issues and research design in the core unit Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences. The dissertation element of the MSc enables students to pursue an independent, in-depth study in the discipline supported by a thriving research culture. All teaching is research based and led by research-active scholars. Graduating students will be equipped to develop research careers or to proceed to PhD study. Our more general goal is thus to produce top quality postgraduates with an advanced understanding of the theoretical and practical tools with which to conduct high level, original, critically engaged and independent research.
The specific programme aims are thus:
1. To provide broad and effective research training consistent with the generic ESRC training guidelines and specific requirements for research training in management approaches that are strongly located within a social sciences domain.
2. To ground students in a wide range of knowledge, skills and competencies needed in management research, including philosophical issues and qualitative and quantitative methods.
3. To develop critical awareness of theoretical and methodological issues in the conduct of research that will enable them both as professional scholars and as informed citizens to engage with appropriate research techniques and to be conversant with and select from a range of alternative approaches.
4. To train competent researchers who can understand, select and use a wide range of appropriate research techniques.
5. To provide specific research training that will enable those students wishing to pursue their studies at doctoral or MPhil level successfully to complete theses in their chosen fields. The programme places primary emphasis on students' written analyses of and critical engagement with issues arising from research. However, the assessment procedures encourage students to develop a broad range of transferable skills, including oral argument, rigorous time management skills, critical thinking,
conceptualisation, independent learning and team work.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Management) provides a structured approach to the teaching of social science and management subject-specific research methods. Teaching is research-led by research-active scholars drawing on their own practice and experience. Learning/teaching methods and strategies include: |
Methods of Assessment | |
The breadth and depth of the student’s knowledge and understanding of the substance of the field of research methods in the social sciences and Management is assessed through a variety of formative and summative methods of assessment. Certificate students complete the credit point requirements for three units and the three related assessments. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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• Lectures and presentations by research-active staff drawing on their own experiences. Teaching is therefore research-led. |
Methods of Assessment | |
The breadth and depth of the student’s intellectual skills and critical engagement with research methodology and methods is assessed through a variety of formative and summative methods of assessment. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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• Staff guidance in seminars and individual consultations |
Methods of Assessment | |
As detailed above to include assessed essays, research project design, practical projects and feedback on dissertation progress. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
The structure of the degree programme has been designed to engage the student in a cumulative process of developing skills and knowledge through a sequence of stages. All Certificate, Diploma and Masters students develop foundational knowledge and understanding of the field of social science and management research methodology and methods. Thus they will demonstrate an ability to present, discuss, and write about areas covered in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature. In addition, they are required to cover a range of practical and transferable skills. (60 credit points) |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In addition to the requirements set at Certificate level, at Diploma level, students will gain a thorough knowledge of a wide range of methodologies and methods, they should be able to identify key issues in social science and management research, and be able to analyse and evaluate key sources relating to methods and issues at a level of critical engagement and sophistication appropriate to study at Masters level. This will be demonstrated by gaining a minimum mark of 50 per cent in all taught units. (120 credit points) |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
The dissertation is the culmination of the student’s progress through the programme as they apply the appropriate methodological, intellectual and technical skills developed in the taught component to formulate an independent piece of research work, specifically a dissertation topic which will involve new work in the exploration of theoretical ideas, a specific substantive question, or both. This should reflect an ability to identify significant issues, engage in the collection of empirical data, to structure and develop lines of argumentation and engage in critical and reflexive evaluation of their own work. This will be demonstrated by gaining a minimum mark of 50 per cent for the dissertation. (180 credit points) |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Dr Mary Phillips, Reader in Organisation Studies, Department of Management.
Mary.Phillips@Bristol.ac.uk
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences Not available in this year | SOCIM0011 | 20 | Mandatory | |
Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences | SOCIM0012 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences | SOCIM0013 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Researching Organisations, Institutions and Management | EFIMM0045 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Dissertation | EFIMM0014 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select 20 credit points from: | ||||
Advanced Qualitative Research | SOCIM3132 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Advanced Quantitative Research | SOCIM3133 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Plus 20 credit points from: | ||||
Care, Labour and Gender | SOCIM0004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Interpreting Gender | SOCIM3103 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Climate Change and International Security | POLIM0004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Global Justice | POLIM0005 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Global Civil Society | POLIM0022 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
China's International Relations | POLIM0023 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Japan and East Asia: Socio-Economic Development | POLIM0027 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
The Politics of (Un)sustainability | POLIM0028 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Conflict, Security and Development | POLIM1007 | 20 | Optional | TB-1,TB-2 |
Research for a Sustainable Society | EFIMM0044 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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