During the first year students take a wide range of courses covering the main methods of data collection, the fundamental aspects of research design and quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. In the second year students can choose between Evaluation Research or the Group Research Project. Work on the Masters dissertation begins early in the second year. A mixture of teaching methods are used including lectures, seminars, workshops and practical computer-based classes. There are no conventional examinations.
Assessment is by essays, research design and data analysis exercises, projects and class quizzes.
The Masters dissertation provides an opportunity for students to undertake a detailed piece of empirical work in an area of their own choosing. Students write an outline proposal at the beginning of Year 2 and then carry out their research during the year. The final semester is devoted to dissertation work. The Masters degree comprises a total of 12 modules, including the dissertation which is equivalent to 4 modules. Students can study for Year 1 only and obtain the Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research after satisfactory completion of 4 modules.