If you’re interested in studying for a research degree in the social sciences, or want to learn about research methods, you might want to consider our innovative MSc in Social Research Methods, run by the new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Centre.
If you want to study for a PhD, and are seeking ESRC funding, you will be required to take this or one of our other ESRC-recognised research training Masters degrees, unless you have already achieved a similar level of research training at a university elsewhere.
At the end of your first year, you graduate with a Masters degree before proceeding to the PhD (this is called 1+3 study).
In the fields of economics, psychology and science, technology and innovation, our specialist Masters degrees are recognised by ESRC as providing research training suitable for 1+3 study.
All the other social sciences at Sussex offer research training through the MSc in Social Research Methods. This is for students in the fields of anthropology, contemporary European studies, development studies, education, gender studies, human geography, international relations, politics, law, migration studies, social work and social care, and sociology.
The degree is specifically designed to provide research training for those intending to move directly to doctoral study. It can also be taken as a stand-alone one-year degree by those who wish to apply advanced research methodologies to an area of academic or policy interest without continuing to a doctorate.
Course structure
Our MSc follows a standard model in which you study the philosophical underpinnings of research, research design, research ethics, and both quantitative and qualitative methods. Following on from these core elements, you undertake a series of options on advanced research methods, which provide the key skills necessary for carrying out doctoral-level research.
Throughout the year, you also undertake a research option in your chosen discipline or interdisciplinary area, which comprises independent reading, attendance at research seminars, and regular individual supervisions with a dedicated member of academic faculty.
Autumn term: you take modules in introductory quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as Philosophy of Science and Social Scientific Research Practice or a theoretical core module within your chosen discipline.
Spring term: you take Research Design and Ethics and either three intermediate methods modules or one intermediate methods module and a subject-specific module. Intermediate methods modules include Action Research • Comparative Method • Discourse Analysis • Ethnographic Methods • Evidence for Policy and Practice • Participatory Methods • Policy and Programme Evaluation Research.
Summer term: you take a series of advanced methods options, offered in the form of short workshops, and undertake supervised work on a dissertation focused on research methods. This dissertation can be the full research outline for doctoral study.
Assessment
Taught modules are variously assessed by term papers of 3,000-5,000 words or equivalent coursework portfolios. The research elective is assessed by a dissertation of 10,000 words
Frances's student perspective
‘The MSc in Social Research Methods has encouraged me to think deeply about the philosophical questions underpinning social research as well as the practical issues accompanying it. The course is well tailored for students who are planning to do a PhD and has provided invaluable space for reflection as I commence my own project.
‘The course offers a variety of modules spanning different disciplines, which has allowed me to consider research methods that I might not have otherwise looked at. I feel I am now able to engage in substantial discussion about research design and methods issues in a way I could not have before studying for this MSc.’
Frances Thomson
MSc in Social Research Methods