Course Handbook - Application Forms
The Department of Sociology at the University of Surrey has an impressive research record. It undertakes innovative and internationally recognised research in a wide range of substantive areas including ageing and gender, sociology of childhood, social stratification, criminal justice, language and interaction, work and new technology, health and illness, the professions, religion and the environment. This research is informed by an interest in using and developing a wide range of theoretical ideas and developing new formal models as well as more conventional 'middle range' theories.
The MSc in Social Research Methods is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council for its advanced course studentships. People come on the course from a variety of backgrounds. Some have a good degree in Sociology or another social science; others come from a different discipline altogether, whether in the humanities or the natural sciences. Some have recently graduated, others are returning to further education at a later point in their life. For all students it is a stimulating and demanding year. At the end of it, almost without exception, people feel that they have worked harder than they would have though possible and, as a result, are enormously better equiped to undertake research.
The course has been running for seventeen years. Well over half the graduates have gone straight into a research position. Others use the research training as a foundation for a doctorate. Several are involved in research management or the teaching of research methods.
The course runs for twelve months. During the two academic semesters you will take a wide range of courses. Work on the dissertation begins in the second semester and is completed in the summer vacation. The Easter break is spent in a research placement. which is arranged with leading research agencies, government departments, police forces, charities and commercial market research companies. This four week placement provides students with first-hand experience of large scale research in action. broadening their perspective and understanding of how a career in social research might progress.
The course also includes a residential weekend, where students have an opportunity to hear visiting researchers talk about their work and to get to know them and the staff, and a group research project presentation day.
There are no conventional examinations. Courses are assessed by a mixture of essays and practical exercises.
Most courses are taken by all students. Courses on technical matters, such as statistics and computing, assume no previous knowledge. The option, the one course not common to all, is concerned with problems of sociological research in a particular substantive area, such as health and illness, social policy, new technologies or environment.
| Research design and survey methods |
20 |
Option |
20 |
| Data analysis |
25 |
Group research project |
20 |
| Statistical modelling |
20 |
Managing research and the publication process |
10 |
| Theory and method |
20 |
Computing |
10 |
| Dissertation workshop |
10 |
Documentary analysis and innovative ethnography |
20 |
| Field methods |
20 |
|
|
Students meet their tutor approximately once a fortnight to discuss progress in general and their dissertation.
A 4 week research placement is arranged to take place during the Easter vacation. This provides students with first-hand experience of large scale and real life research in action. In the past placements have been with organisations such as the National Centre for Social Research, ESRC Data Archive, Policy Studies Institute, Home Office, Institute for Employment Studies, MORI, British Market Research Bureau, National Children’s Bureau, Centre for Longitudinal Studies, National Foundation for Educational Research, ONS, Surrey Police etc. Placements are arranged with the help of the department’s placement tutor.
Once a year course members spend a weekend at a conference centre, together with the teaching and research staff of the Department and students attending our part-time postgraduate degrees. Visiting speakers provide a range of different perspectives on research - not only on technical matters, but placing the research act in its social, political and ethical context.
An important part of the course is the dissertation: it provides the opportunity to undertake a detailed piece of empirical research in a subject area of your choice. Some students use their research for a dissertation as the starting point for doctoral work.
MSc Dissertation Guidelines
The University's Accommodation Office can help with finding places to live off-campus. Single students from abroad and a limited number from Great Britain may be accomodated on campus.
The course fees for the current academic year are £3,350 (UK and EU) and £8,265 (overseas). The fees are revised annually in June. They include the cost of the residential weekend.
Students may be eligible for awards from the ESRC. Bank loans are available under a scheme supported by the Department of Employment. Overseas students may be able to obtain funding from the British Council - they should enquire locally.
The usual qualification for entry is a good honours degree. We also require evidence of basic numeracy such as a pass in O level or GCSE Maths. Overseas students are asked to provide a full academic transcript and evidence of fluency in English if this is not their first language. In addition, because it is impracticable to invite them for a selection interview, we ask them to write a few hundred words on why they wish to come on the course.
Applications are considered from December onwards. As far as possible, decisions are made without delay. Both home and overseas applicants should apply as soon as possible. UK applicants who wish to be considered for an ESRC award are recommended to apply by 1st March.
Application forms can either be obtained from the postgraduate website or by writing to:
The Secretary (SRM)
Department of Sociology
University of Surrey
Guildford GU2 7XH
Tel: +44 (0)1483 689453
Fax: +44 (0)1483 689551
email: pgsoc@surrey.ac.uk
