University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2022/23 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Social Sciences and Law > School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies > Social Science Research Methods (Sociology) (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 9SOCI016T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Siobhan McAndrew
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Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This section sets out why studying this programme is important, both in terms of inspiring you as an individual and in considering the challenges we face. It describes how this degree programme contributes to:
This programme aims to develop the students' interest in and knowledge and understanding of the range of skills needed by a researcher in the social sciences. 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 research training. It provides in-depth knowledge both of the generic skills required by social scientists (mainly delivered in the first semester) and of subject specific skills appropriate to sociology. The programme therefore includes units on core skills in social research, covering library, data base and internet searching, IT skills, and ethical and legal questions; qualitative research methods and quantitative research methods. These methodological skills are supported by discussion of epistemological questions and research design in the core unit ‘Comparative Research Design’. The dissertation element of the MSc enables students to pursue an independent, in-depth study in the discipline supported by a thriving research culture. Graduating students will be well-situated to develop research careers following their interests in this field, or to proceed to MPhil/PhD studies.
The specific programme aims are:
The learning outcome statements shown below for your programme have been developed with reference to relevant national subject benchmarks (where they exist), national qualification descriptors (see the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) and professional body requirements.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are listed to show how you will be able to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes.
This programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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The MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Sociology) provides a structured approach to the teaching of social science, sociology subject-specific and sociology pathway research methods. Part 1 focuses on core and transferable skills and the generic training requirements. Part 2 addresses more advanced subject specific sociology requirements and particular specialised applications of research methods in substantive fields within sociology. Part 3 enables the student to apply their knowledge of research design to a particular research project, and to employ their understanding of research methods in the production of a dissertation. Learning/teaching methods and strategies include:
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Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
The breadth and depth of the student’s knowledge and understanding of the substance of the field of research methods is tested through a variety of formative and summative methods of assessment. All elements of formative student work contribute to the allocation of credit points.
The department retains copies of all seminar presentation, essay and dissertation feedback sheets. Certificate students complete the credit point requirements for four units and the four related assessed essays. Diploma students complete six units and their requirements. MSc students complete six units and their requirements and the dissertation. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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Presentation by staff followed by seminar discussion incorporating student presentation. Hands-on computer sessions. Some course units will also use VLE methodologies, in particular Blackboard, as a mode of information sharing supplementary to more traditional methods. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Students are offered the opportunity to submit formative pieces of work which staff then comment on, offering students guidance on style and composition. Each course unit is evaluated by assessed essay, research project design or practical project and, for MSc students, course units are followed by an independent dissertation |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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Staff guidance in seminars and individual consultationsComment on formative essays. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Assessed essays, research project design, practical projects and feedback on dissertation progress. |
This section describes what is expected from you at each level of your programme. This illustrates increasing intellectual standards as you progress through the programme. These levels are mapped against the national level descriptors published by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Able to present, discuss, and write about work in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature in the area. (credit units 60) |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Able to present, discuss, and write about work in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature in the area. (credit units 120) |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Able to present, discuss, and write about work in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature in the area.Able to formulate an independent piece of work, specifically a dissertation topic which will involve new work in the exploration of theoretical ideas , a specific substantive question, or both. |
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.
SOCIOLOGY PATHWAY
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences | SOCIM0013 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
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 |
Dissertation | SOCIM1000 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select at least 20 credit points from the following list: | ||||
Advanced Qualitative Research | SOCIM3132 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Further Quantitative Methods | SPOLM0016 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Plus 40 credit points from the list of Sociology optional units following: | ||||
Care, Labour and Gender | SOCIM0004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
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 |
Contemporary Identities and Inequalities | SOCIM0015 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Gender, Family and Migration | SOCIM0023 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Understanding Social Movements | SOCIM0028 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
From Structuralism to Post-structuralism | SOCIM0029 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Digital Economy and Society | SOCIM0031 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Rationality and Absurdity | SOCIM0033 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Consumption, Environment and Sustainable Development | SOCIM0034 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Interpreting Gender | SOCIM3103 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Advanced Qualitative Research | SOCIM3132 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Further Quantitative Methods | SPOLM0016 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Sociological Theory and the Concept of Culture | SPAIM0049 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Care, Labour and Gender | SOCIM0004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Advanced Quantitative Research | SOCIM3133 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
MSc Social Science Research Methods (Sociology) | 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 but is permitted in designated programmes (as set out in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit 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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