Social Science Research Methods (Social Work) (MSc)
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Part time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
This programme provides advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences and meets the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
Specialised pathways
Choose a pathway that is suited to your key area of interest.
Theory and practice
Explore the relationship between research and evidence-based social work practice.
Informed by experts
The programme is influenced by internationally recognised research carried out by our academic staff.
Independent research
Engage in independent research underpinned by first-class methods training as part of your final dissertation.
The MSc Social Science Research Methods will provide you with advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences. All course pathways have ESRC recognition and meet the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
This programme offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive area of interest at postgraduate level.
You’ll be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You’ll also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
Social Work pathway
The School of Social Sciences has a strong track record of undertaking high quality national and international research. Through the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) and the centre for the Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) we have strong expertise on a range of social care topics.
This expertise has helped us to develop specialist teaching that enable students to gain a greater understanding and capability in researching social care.
Where you'll study
School of Social Sciences
Our degrees are delivered by internationally recognised experts with a track record of influencing policy and practice around the world.
Admissions criteria
Applicants should normally hold a first or upper second-class undergraduate degree in a humanities or social sciences subject. However, other applicants will be considered if they can demonstrate, through recent and relevant experience, that they have the ability to undertake the course.
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to obtain a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing, and at least 5.5 in all other sub-sections. An equivalency in another English Language qualification may be accepted. Applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
This course is suitable for graduates in social science and cognate disciplines including sociology, politics, critical psychology, education, social policy and social work, criminology, management and business studies, history, area studies, geography, pedagogy, public administration, industrial and employee relations, and law.
Application deadline: 31 August
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a two-year part-time programme.
You will be required to complete six 20-credit modules - five core research modules and one specialist pathway module. In all modules you will have the opportunity to engage with literature and research relevant to your pathway.
On successful completion of the taught component, you will prepare a dissertation of a maximum 20,000 words. The 60-credit dissertation component requires independent study. Dissertation topics are chosen in agreement with your supervisor.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/24 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.
Year one
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Developing Core Research Skills | BST703 | 20 credits |
| Foundations of Social Science Research | CPT898 | 20 credits |
| Qualitative Research Methods | SIT700 | 20 credits |
| Quantitative Research Methods | SIT701 | 20 credits |
| Research Applications | SIT703 | 20 credits |
| Social Work Research in Action | SIT915 | 20 credits |
Year two
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Developing Core Research Skills | BST703 | 20 credits |
| Foundations of Social Science Research | CPT898 | 20 credits |
| Qualitative Research Methods | SIT700 | 20 credits |
| Quantitative Research Methods | SIT701 | 20 credits |
| Research Applications | SIT703 | 20 credits |
| Social Work Research in Action | SIT915 | 20 credits |
Year three
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | SIT078 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Your programme will be made up of scheduled learning activities (including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions) and guided independent study.
You will be expected to actively engage in all the educational activities on your programme of study, to prepare for and attend all scheduled teaching activities, and continue your development as an independent and self-directed learner.
How will I be assessed?
You will have to successfully complete the taught component which comprises of 120 credits.
On successful completion of the taught component, you will prepare a dissertation of a maximum 20,000 words.
How will I be supported?
All modules within the programme make use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and information on assessment. You will be allocated a personal tutor.
Feedback
Feedback will be available to you throughout the programme and you will be able to discuss your performance with your personal tutor.
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills which are discipline specific and more general ‘employability’ skills.
Skills will include:
- the ability to collect, analyse and interpret a range of complex data;
- a range of appropriate qualitative and quantitative research skills;
- the use and application of information technologies;
- the ability to communicate and present ideas and findings in a variety of ways, for example, in writing, and orally;
- the ability to problem solve, and work individually and in groups.
Tuition fees for 2023 entry
Due to the duration of this programme only Welsh and EU domiciled students who meet residency requirements (English domiciled students are excluded) are eligible for a postgraduate loan. See more information about eligibility for UK Government Postgraduate loans.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £4,475 | None |
| Year two | £4,475 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2023/24 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £10,225 | £2,000 |
| Year two | £10,225 | None |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is required for this course.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Career prospects
This programme provides knowledge and expertise suitable for careers in research and development, business, market studies, public agencies at international, national and local levels, education, teaching and other public services work, and voluntary organisations.
It also provides appropriate training for proceeding to a PhD.
Funding
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
