Social science research is about investigating human activity in the social world. Every social science researcher must address fundamental questions concerning the kind of knowledge that we can acquire about the social world, and whether, and how, we can pursue such knowledge systematically and rigorously. There are different and often contrasting philosophical frameworks on how to approach the study of social phenomena, each presenting different theoretical, methodological, and axiological stances.

The module will consider diverse philosophical frameworks underpinning social science research while encouraging students to reflect on which approach may align with their own research and values. Each framework will be analysed in light of questions about the nature of the world (ontology), how we know what we know (epistemology) and what values we hold (implicitly or explicitly) as researchers.

In exploring the differences and implications of philosophical frameworks to social research, students will develop knowledge and understanding of the foundations of social science research, enhance their skills of analysis, criticality, and rigour of argumentation. They will be able to reflect on their own positionality as researchers against broader theoretical and moral considerations, as well as starting to appreciate the role of research in informing policy aimed at addressing compelling social problems at the local and/or global level.

Qualitative research is a complex and broad field of research, which seeks to understand and explain social phenomena rather than measure them. Qualitative research encompasses different theoretical understandings and methodological approaches, while drawing on both interpretivist and critical paradigms to act as foundations for the research designed.

This module aims to develop and deepen students’ knowledge, understanding of qualitative research alongside of the skills needed to plan and deliver small-scale qualitative research projects. It provides opportunities to explore qualitative research designs, the epistemological underpinnings of qualitative methodologies, and the application of a range of qualitative methods to real world research projects. Students will be introduced to a range of interpretative and inductive approaches available for collecting and analysing qualitative data. Ethical considerations and processes in the design and conduct of qualitative research will also be examined.

Quantitative research, which is often has a home in the hard sciences, has not always been embraced by education or social science researchers. However, with quantitative research often preferred by policy makers and organisations for its perceived ability to demonstrate impact, it is vital that new researchers develop key skills in quantitative research approaches. This module is designed to help you build confidence and competence in using quantitative approaches as a postgraduate researcher. Whether you are new to statistics or looking to deepen your understanding of quantitative design, this module will guide you through the key principles, practices, and possibilities of working with numbers to answer meaningful research questions. We will explore how to design robust studies, choose appropriate methods, and interpret data in ways that are both rigorous and relevant. You will also learn how to critically assess the strengths and limitations of quantitative approaches in different research contexts.

What you will learn:

• The foundations of quantitative research: philosophical underpinnings, design logic, and methodological choices.
• How to formulate research questions and hypotheses suitable for quantitative investigation.
• Techniques for data collection, including surveys and secondary data use.
• Approaches to data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics.
• How to interpret and present quantitative findings clearly and ethically.

This module invites you, an aspiring researcher, to explore what it means to be a researcher in today’s complex, fast-changing world. Whether you are considering doctoral study or already on that path, this module will help you critically engage with the evolving landscape of research in the 21st century giving you the tools to think critically, creatively, and confidently about research and being a researcher. This will include debates around the nature of research, the positionality of the researcher, who shapes the research we do and how we do it, managing research projects, research ethics, how we measure the impact of research and is it really publish or perish?

The module will focus on some key questions:

• What is the role of research in society today?
• How do researchers’ own experiences, world views and positionality impact the research they do?
• How do researchers navigate ethical dilemmas, digital transformations, and the challenges of working in and with marginalised communities?
• What does it mean to produce knowledge in a world shaped by global challenges and diverse perspectives?

This module gives you the opportunity to design and carry out your own small-scale research project—from idea to execution to publication-style reporting. You will take the lead in shaping a pilot study that reflects your interests, applying the research skills you have developed so far. The aim is to help you experience the full research cycle in a supportive, structured environment.

You will begin by identifying a research question and selecting an appropriate methodology. Then, you will collect and analyse data and finally present your findings in the format of a journal article. This will provide invaluable experience of research from inception through disseminating your research via publication targeted at either academic or professional audiences.

What you will learn:

• How to design a feasible and ethical pilot research project.
• How to apply appropriate research methods to collect and analyse data.
• How to reflect critically on your research process and outcomes.
• How to write up your findings in the style of a peer-reviewed journal article.
• How to position your work within wider academic and professional conversations.