Government Social Research
The course has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the major quantitative research skills relevant to designing, analysing and evaluating government policy, as well as some of the most relevant qualitative skills.
Participants will gain a high level of critical insight into a range of research methods. They will be expected to apply their understanding to policy and research questions and communicate their understanding clearly to academic specialists and non-specialists, and in so doing develop their existing skills in critiquing and applying research methods. Participants will be expected to work at a level of critical engagement, conceptual understanding and application commensurate with the grade-related criteria at Masters level.
The course also recognises the context in which government social science research is conducted, and that understanding this context and working within it is integral to the production of high quality, usable research outputs. Hence part of the course is devoted to developing participants’ understanding of research in government more broadly.
In order to receive the MSc degree you will need to earn 180 credit points. The course consists of five compulsory modules with a total of 120 credit points. Participants must also select two out of a choice of four further 30 credit modules (total of 60 credit points). Details of the modules are presented below.
Module |
Module provider |
Credit points |
Compulsory modules |
|
|
Introductory: Commissioning and Managing Social Research |
GSRU |
|
Introductory: Ethics |
GSRU |
|
Research for government |
GSRU |
15 |
Statistical analysis |
IOE |
30 |
Experimental & quasi-experimental design |
IOE |
15 |
Research synthesis for policy and practice |
IOE |
30 |
Report (10,000 words) |
IOE |
30 |
|
|
|
Optional modules (select 2) |
|
|
Sampling design & survey data collection |
IOE |
30 |
Qualitative research & analysis |
IOE |
30 |
Evaluation Methods and Economic Appraisal |
IOE |
30 |
Longitudinal research & analysis |
IOE |
30 |