Other Courses

Social Research Courses

Social Research courses not run by the Government Social Research Unit:

The CASS programme (Courses in Applied Social Surveys)

covers topics in survey design and implementation, survey sampling, data collection and data analysis methods with an applied focus. SRC recognised Research Training (RT) Outlets/Courses

The programme is run by the Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute and is funded by ESRC.

The new CASS short course programme is now available from here
CASS has also launched its new website

ESRC-funded Researcher Development Initiative

includes training in microdata analysis, in the use of new media in social research and on engaging with public policy
More details are on www.rdi.ac.uk

ESRC recognised Research Training (RT) Outlets/Courses

Institutions, outlets and advanced courses which have gained ESRC recognition.

Details: ESRC website

ESRC Oxford Spring School - offers a variety of courses throughout the year, specifially hosting a week long 'Spring School' which is aimed at Political and Social Science researchers, who already have training in and experience of quantitative research, and are seeking to extend and broaden their skills.

ESRC Survey Link Scheme - supported by the ESRC Training and Development Board, exists to give academic social scientists the opportunity to acquaint themselves with professional social survey research, carried out by the Office for National Statistics, the National Centre for Social Research and various market research companies. It thus provides a bridge between the academy and the practical worlds in which professional survey research is carried out.

The Warwick MPA, University of Warwick

Offers top policy-makers and managers in the public and voluntary sectors an equivalent qualification to the MBA.

The MPA is a three year, part-time degree (equivalent in length to the modular MBA at Warwick). It is based on six weeks teaching for each of the first two years and two weeks teaching in the third year. There are 9 core modules and 4 electives in the programme, and a dissertation.

Further information: University of Warwick website

MA Public Policy, King's College, London

The programme is designed around core taught courses, specialist option courses and a research dissertation. Core units are provided on the policy process and comparative public policy. Each runs over two semesters. The wide range of option courses enables the student to specialize and develop in-depth knowledge of such fields as health policy, rights and security in a changing world, urban and environmental policy, the policy problems of an ageing population or education policy. Details: Kings College, London webiste

MSc in Policy Research, Queen Mary, University of London

On completion of this programme, you will be able to engage with theories of the policy process and relate them, as appropriate, to the problems of modern government. Specifically, you will be able to apply the techniques of applied social research to defining social problems and be able critically to assess the programmes that address them, understanding the nature and limits of the contribution research evidence can make to the policy process. You will also acquire competence in the acquisition of data, be able to choose and use appropriate methods of data analysis, be familiar with Systematic Review techniques and be able to present research findings in a professional manner.

Further information: Queen Mary website

MSc Policy Research, University of Bristol

This flexible and modular programme is designed for busy policy professionals and policy researchers working in local government, the health sector and other public service organisations. It develops skills in all aspects of policy research including, survey methods, qualitative research, quantitative analysis, secondary data analysis and research commissioning.

Further information: University of Bristol website

Or Contact the Programme Director Ailsa Cameron:

Telephone: +44 (0) 117 9546707

Email: A.Cameron@bristol.ac.uk

Professional development in official statistics

This MSc programme has been developed jointly by the University of Southampton with National Statistics to cover the core skills and knowledge needed by professional government statisticians working in the UK and in other countries.