Applied Social and Community Research MSc (PGCert PGDip)
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Overview
This course is designed to provide practical and comprehensive postgraduate training in social research methods. It builds on the school's excellent public service and community-based research activities, including the university's unique Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP), and the school's excellent relationships with a number of public service providers. The programme is also based on a range of specific academic research expertise in a range of social science disciplines. The degree will be suitable for those wishing to continue to a research degree (MPhil / PhD), or those seeking an immediate career in a public social research agency or similar.
The first part of the Social and Community Research MA provides foundational postgraduate training across a range of interdisciplinary methods and social theory. The second part allows students to focus their practical experience and dissertation topic. The School of Applied Social Science comprises three main research groups: health and social policy, psycho-social studies, and criminology; staff explore cross-cutting themes such as violence, inter-agency partnership, and many staff use a multi-disciplinary theoretical focus. Staff can support students wishing to specialise in a large range of applied social science subjects including applied psychology, criminology, psycho-social studies, sociology, health studies and social policy.
The University of Brighton provides a dynamic social research environment with exciting opportunities for engagement in research that addresses contemporary social science themes and issues. The staff group have particular expertise in quantitative approaches, contemporary developments in qualitative methods and the latest participatory approaches. Students can take the research practice element and negotiate involvement in a range of community based organisations. Alternatively, major degree electives are available in public management or health promotion. These major electives use existing options on the Graduate Programme in Health and Social Sciences.
Course duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: minimum 3 years
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Course content
Course structure
This course provides students with expert knowledge of applied social research methods in both qualitative and quantitative approaches. They are encouraged to identify working examples of applied research and gain a range of transferable employment skills. The School of Applied Social Science and its research centres have good links with local and national social and community based research agencies.
The programme starts in October each year.
Teaching includes lectures, seminar, computer-based workshops and supported self study. Self-study is partly supported by studentcentral, the managed learning environment that provides constant access to a large range of resources including numerous online databases and journals.
Syllabus
Principles of Social Research
Qualitative Methods for the Applied Social Sciences
Multivariate Analysis and Statistical Modelling for Social Science Research
Social Research Practice
DissertationMajor options include:
management
Health promotion
(these options are taken as an alternative to the social research practice module.)Major options include:
Management
Health promotion
(These options are taken as an alternative to the social research practice module.) -
Entry requirements
Typical entry requirements
individual offers may varyFor non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.5 overall and 6 in writing.Degree and/or experience:
Normally a good first degree in a social science discipline. -
Location
Location
Falmer -
Career opportunities
This course is designed for students wishing to work in social research agencies in local and central government and the voluntary sector. It will provide an excellent grounding for those wishing to pursue research degrees in a range of applied social science subjects. Many students will find opportunities during the course to build links with possible employers.
It is also designed for those already working in the community, public and voluntary sectors who want to advance their careers through enhancing their research skills.
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Fees and costs
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.
To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.
Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
Applied Social and Community Research (MSc) (Full time) [L1BH012] UK/EU (Full Time) 4,320 GBP Island Students (Full Time) 7,700 GBP International (Full Time) 11,000 GBP -
Apply online
You should not apply unless you can meet all the entry requirements for this course. Please contact the course team before applying if you are unsure about any of the specific entry requirements.
Entry requirements
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.5 overall and 6 in writing.Degree and/or experience:
Normally a good first degree in a social science discipline.