Course overview
You build your knowledge and understanding of a specific research area alongside developing essential skills to undertake research at postgraduate level.
You are supported by an academic team with diverse knowledge and experience across the social sciences and socio-legal studies, facilitating an understanding of interdisciplinary research.
You are an active member of the vibrant interdisciplinary Institute for Collective Place Leadership and provided with an opportunity to contribute collaboratively to the Justice Hub.
Online learning
Online learning allows you to get a university-level qualification from the comfort of your own home or workplace. You'll have access to all of the world-class teaching and support that Teesside University has to offer, but all of your lectures, tutorials and assessments will take place online.
Find out more about Online learning
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
You are introduced to supervisory engagement and explore the structured development of your doctoral inquiry. You produce a suite of developmental outputs that underpin the viability and coherence of your research project.
You explore the conceptual frameworks and the practical techniques necessary for generating and interpreting high quality research data. You engage with a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, considering issues of rigour, validity and analytical coherence. You produce a methodological report, which is expected to contribute directly to the methodological chapter of the final project, ensuring an integrated and developmental approach to dissertation preparation.
Foundations of Research Design
You are introduced to the core principles of designing a robust and ethically sound research project. Through guided exploration of research paradigms, problem formulation and project planning, you develop and refine your research proposal.
Social Sciences and Socio-Legal Studies Thesis
You create an original contribution to knowledge or practice through high level, independent research.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn online through independent study with some supervision from an assigned supervisor, supported by asynchronous resources available on the Virtual Learning Environment.
You learn through short video segments, narrated presentations or multimedia learning objects, with core content available asynchronously so you can learn flexibly while maintaining clear weekly expectations. In addition, readings, case studies, and activities are organised through the virtual learning environment (VLE).
How you are assessed
Formative assessment in every module provides early feedback and builds confidence, while weighted summative assessments align with module and course learning outcomes. Feedback is delivered online through written, audio and video commentary, feedback tutorials, and recorded supervisor guidance. Supervision runs by Teams, phone or in writing, comparable to face-to-face provision.
Reassessment is offered in Spring and Summer. Results are published on E-Vision, and the course leader contacts students directly to explain next steps. Instructions and explanatory videos are available on module support sites.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 undergraduate degree in addition to a Level 7 (postgraduate) qualification in a relevant discipline. This route is relevant to those who have studied in the fields of law, criminology, sociology, social policy, policing, politics, international relations and associated subjects such as psychology or history.
You are invited to an interview with a member of the course team where you provide a brief research plan outlining your proposed area of study. This enables the course team to assess the viability of the project and allocate a research supervisor with appropriate subject expertise.
You should be prepared to answer questions about your:
• educational and research experience
• ideas for original research
• ability to communicate clearly and accurately in standard English.
The interview is also your opportunity to ask staff members any questions about the course, support available, IT requirements and more. Your application is considered against our ability to satisfactorily support the area of study or approach to research you are likely to pursue.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
We welcome applications from international students. If you are applying from outside the UK, you can find detailed guidance on the qualifications we accept, entry requirements for your country, and how to apply on our international country pages.
Employability
Career opportunities
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.