Course overview
You develop expertise in advanced research methodologies, allowing you to design, execute and disseminate research that meets the highest standards of academic integrity and disciplinary rigour.
You become a reflexive practitioner researcher who can integrate policy insight, professional practice and academic inquiry to address complex and emergent societal challenges.
You develop critical awareness of the social, legal, political and ethical dimensions of research, enabling you to interrogate the assumptions, structures and power relations influencing social phenomena, legal systems and research processes.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
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 MRes Dissertation
You undertake, write up and defend an independently produced research project within your subject area that makes an original contribution to knowledge.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Teaching is delivered through workshop style sessions, you will be provided with readings and tasks to complete in preparation for attendance during the sessions.
Face-to face-teaching is supported by supervisory meetings and additional guidance outside the classroom through our online virtual learning environment.
How you are assessed
Assessments are structured to support the successful completion of your research project.
Feedback is provided across informal and formal learning activities, including formative and summative assessments and research supervision meetings.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 in a relevant discipline such as law, criminology, sociology, social policy, policing, politics or international relations. Applicants with a 2:1 in a non-related discipline may be considered on an individual basis.
All applicants need to evidence engagement with social science perspectives, critical analysis, and, where possible, research methods or independent study, which the course team will assess by way of an official transcript from the awarding institution.
The standard template for this must be complete as part of the application process and can be found on the University website. This enables the course team to assess the viability of the project and allocate a research supervisor with appropriate subject expertise.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting our international country pages.
Employability
Career opportunities
As an ESRC-Recognised Research Pathway, the course provides a strong foundation for students wishing to progress to doctoral-level research. It is particularly suited to those considering a PhD or professional doctorate in areas including criminology, sociology, law, psychology, politics, social policy and related social science disciplines including social research, policy, criminal justice, policing, government and public services, charities and the third sector, education, legal and socio-legal settings and research organisations.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.