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.
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 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
You learn online through independent study with some supervision from an assigned supervisor, supported by asynchronous resources available on the Virtual Learning Environment. You must have access to a reliable internet connection, microphone and webcam.
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 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
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
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.
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.