University of Brighton
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Applied Social and Community Research
MSc (PGCert PGDip)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 1 year

    Part-time: minimum 3 years

    About the course

    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.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary

    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.

  • 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
    Dissertation

    Major 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.)

  • 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 and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    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.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.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

  • Location

    Location Help Falmer

    Our Falmer campus is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Brighton. Approximately 7,000 students are based here.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Brighton

    Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.

    Social scene

    Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

    Music event on the beach

    Arts

    The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

    Burning the Clocks winter solstice festival

    Sports

    Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.

    Playing volleyball on the seafront

  • 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.

    Visit the careers service website.

Apply now for your place
Book your open day place
Find out more

01273 643988
Email sassenquiries@brighton.ac.uk

Visit the school that delivers this course