Social Research Methods (MSc)

This module is divided into two components that focus on cutting-edge statistical techniques. The first half focuses on Structural Equation Models, covering Path Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modelling, Multigroup Models ...

This module introduces students to the main statistical modelling approaches that can handle hierarchical data structures. The module has mainly an applied scope where basic theory is introduced to ensure understanding. Practical computer sessions using M...

If you successfully complete the taught component of the programme, then you will be allowed to progress to the MSRM dissertation [equivalent to 60 CATS/30 ECTS], which can be completed over a 3 month period during summer (usually mid-June to mid-Septembe...

This module deals with the practical challenges of research in area studies. Indicative content includes: the challenges of applying multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches; comparative methods; language and discourse anal...

This module deals with the conceptual, theoretical and methodological challenges of researching area studies. Indicative content includes defining area studies, understanding the history of area studies, definitions, theoretical frameworks, key issues and...

This course introduces contemporary themes associated with HRM, with the objective of creating an in-depth and critical exploration of some of the challenges that we face in the workplace today. Such issues include topics such as, managing diversity, chan...

The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: ...

The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias ...

This Module provides an introduction to the technical basis of demography. It focuses on concepts and methods underpinning demographic analysis and provides a practical introduction for those professionally engaged with demographic work (in government de...

The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and provides you with an opportunity to undertake a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised.

The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your a...

You will undertake independent research on a topic of your choice within the field of Sociology and Social Policy, presenting an account of the research in the form of a dissertation. This will enable you to demonstrate skills and knowledge acquired throu...

You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage your own learning, to draw together information for a variety of sources and to make use of a range of concepts and techniques at the postgr...

This module will provide you with guidance and support throughout the writing of your dissertation. From discussing your initial ideas of your dissertation through the process of actually writing the document, this module will provide you with the informa...

The Masters dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake an extended piece of independent research in Applied Linguistics, with guidance from a supervisor.

This unit allows students to undertake a complete piece of empirical research in an area of psychology that they find particularly interesting.

This module supports the requirement for students to carry out independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of Gerontology.

This module will review and discuss the state of the art in research on social welfare and human well-being and the one, and on social policies addressing these issues on the other hand. In the first part students will explore how previously dominant econ...

GEOG6098 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in sustainable development, sustainability, green growth, complex socio-ecological systems, and resilient development. Over the term we will explore the key issues and debates aro...

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to work with a member of the academic unit to develop a research question and implement a project that generates new knowledge in the field of psychology and that serves to extend the disci...

The researching and writing of a 12,500 – 15,000 word dissertation provides you with the opportunity to integrate and hone a variety of skills acquired and extended during your studies, and to significantly deepen your knowledge of a topic of your choice....

Within the context of your programme of study, you will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. You will then communicate the research aims, objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively through ...

To provide students with grounding in the techniques of modern macroeconomic theory. The tools you will learn will enable you to understand cutting edge research and provide foundations on which you can build in your own research.

To provide graduate students in economics with an introduction to the basic frameworks of graduate-level microeconomic theory: general equilibrium theory and game theory. Special emphasis will be given to the design, construction and the solution of econo...

This module will introduce you to the use of mixed methods for approaching and addressing research questions in a range of disciplines within social and human sciences. You will be introduced to the theories of mixed methods, and examine the ways in which...

The module involves lectures and guest lectures from different disciplines. Learning activities include lectures, informal group discussions and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of each session, in order to be ...

This module will look at the dominant traditions in the philosophy of social science and how these have shaped substantive research within the study of the social sciences.

The syllabus for this 10 CATS module will cover an introduction to qualitative methods and a range of qualitative data collection methods. We will consider the defining characteristics of qualitative research and its epistemological underpinnings. The ...

The emphasis will be on the practical application of statistical methods and the interpretation of results using the statistical computer software SPSS. The module will draw on a range of international and UK data sources. One of the pre-requisites ...

Research Design and Practice involves training and preliminary work for researching in social science. This module deals with the practical challenges of designing and conducting research such as defining research questions, identifying appropriate metho...

In this module, we explore some key concepts and ‘ways of knowing’ which are central to taking a research perspective on language learning and language teaching: the nature of theory, data, ‘truth’, idealisation, modelling, falsification etc. NB: This ...

The aim of this module is to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of ol...

Social entrepreneurship is a rapidly growing movement and it has attracted an increasing attention nationally and internationally in recent years. Numerous institutions such as international organisations (e.g. World Bank), world-class universities, gover...

Students taking this module will gain first hand experience in the design and management of survey research projects.

Educational research is a wide-ranging field that draws upon many different disciplines and methodologies. This introductory module aims to help you navigate this complex field by providing an overview of the common paradigms and methodologies that you ar...

This module will explore the concepts of Modern Society and the Welfare State, based on key theories. We will engage with how modernity has been framed by classical and contemporary sociological writings and in that context analyse how individuals, collec...

This module is an introduction to the substantive concepts of demography, how populations change and grow or shrink, and the transitions that populations make in various stages of their development. An introduction to the past, present and future world po...

The module will address technological and demographic changes and related risks, the actors and structures that contribute and respond to social change and how it is theorised in contemporary sociology. Processes as well as impact of social change at the ...

This module provides an introduction to engaging with interdisciplinarity in research practice. The module will involve co-production among students and faculty from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, across all three institutions in the South Coast Doc...

This module introduces students to the main statistical modelling approaches that can handle hierarchical data structures. The module has mainly an applied scope where basic theory is introduced to ensure understanding. Practical computer sessions using M...

One of the pre-requisites for PSYC8042

This is a postgraduate advanced module in applied statistical modelling designed to equip students with highly sought after employability skills in data analysis. The module will cover a wide range of statistical models including a revision of introductor...

A range of key constructs in assessment theory and currently popular techniques in assessing language proficiency are reviewed and critically discussed. The overall processes involved in designing and implementing assessment procedures which are valid, re...

Mainstream finance assumes that people are rational and is mainly concerned with how they should behave when making financial decisions. In this module, instead, we focus on how individuals make financial decisions in practice, and we use insights from ps...

This module gives an overview of moral philosophy and shows how such ethical theories apply in a business context. Common ethical issues are discussed with reference to their causes and consequences. Examples of both ethical and unethical business practic...

This course seeks to examine the international relations of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) addressing how and why China has reached its status within the international system today. As the world’s second largest economy, China is also a nuclear powe...

This module examines the recent global diffusion of participatory governance innovations that leverage collective intelligence processes. Part one explores a variety of empirical applications in comparative prospective. Concrete examples will include part...

The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: ...

This is a Portsmouth module, offered as an optional module to students on the Masters in Social Research Methods in Southampton. The unit coordinator is Dr Patricia Shamai

This module is intended to provide foundational GIS skills for various Masters-levels programmes (such as the MSc in Applied GIS and Remote Sensing and MSc in Sustainability). It is intended to introduce Geographical Information Systems and Science to tho...

The module will start by defining the concept of Knowledge Discovery in Data (KDD) as consisting of three steps: data pre-processing, data mining and post-processing. Next, we will zoom into the data mining step and distinguish two types of data mining: ...

This module provides a comprehensive overview of current issues and challenges in global health. Using relevant case studies, it will discuss trends and determinants of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as assessing possible effec...

This module is designed to introduce you to the human dimension of cybercrime and cyber security. It is not coming from a technical perspective, but instead a critical criminological approach is applied to the topic. This means that we will be questioning...

The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias ...

This Module provides an introduction to the technical basis of demography. It focuses on concepts and methods underpinning demographic analysis and provides a practical introduction for those professionally engaged with demographic work (in government de...

The module explores selected approaches to linguistic description, providing an overview of phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.

When planning experiments, it is essential that the data collected are as relevant and informative as possible. The statistical principles for the design of experiments include the choice of optimal or good treatments sets and appropriate replication of t...

A sample of topics addressed in this module includes: a) theoretical approaches to the subject matter; b) the redefinition of the notions of sovereignty, borders, citizenship, and national identity; c) the role and mobilization of diasporas as transnation...

You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage your own learning, to draw together information for a variety of sources and to make use of a range of concepts and techniques at the postgr...

This module examines the process of assessing the potential impacts of major developments on the environment- known worldwide as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This is seen globally as major tool to help deliver sustainable development. The mod...

This module introduces students to the main concepts involved in epidemiological analyses. The main epidemiological study designs are introduced and two lectures focus on methods used to analyse case-control studies whilst another two focus on cohort stu...

European countries and the European Union (EU) as a collective actor seek to co-shape the international order and forms of global governance. The EU, its member-states and associated countries face new uncertainties and risks, however, from normative and ...

Financial accounting relates to the measurement and recording of business transactions. It underlies the annual reports published by companies which shareholders and other stakeholder use to assess the past performance of the business and make decisions a...

This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of geographical information systems (GIS) to the concepts, methods and techniques involved in using GIS for the analysis of health. Academic study of the geography of he...

This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) how to utilise GIS tools in environmental management. Environmental applications require specific skills on the part of the GIS...

The aim of this module is to give you a practical grounding in the skills necessary to present a clear and concise business report.

In recent decades globalisation has impacted national education policies in industrialised, emerging and developing economies. This module will look at the different ways in which some education systems in different regions have changed their policies and...

Provide you with the opportunity to make your own contribution to historical understanding, by presenting a coherent, detailed and sustained argument at length on a historical topic. Provide a supervisory framework which furnishes an appropriate level of...

The UK government has recognised the importance of innovation and technology transfer in sustaining competitive advantage in the global knowledge economy. If successful innovation management is to take place, it is necessary to recognise when technology h...

When you study this module you will examine and investigate notions of innovation and notions of innovation within formal and informal learning and teaching settings. Your pre-conceptions of the role technological innovations in such settings will be chal...

This module introduces key sources of social science data (both UK and non-UK), and the measurement of key concepts using these data, within a range of substantive areas. In doing so it focuses on the analysis of a number of fundamental social issues – i...

This module will introduce you to ways of exploring the reciprocal relationship between language and society from contemporary sociolinguistic perspectives. NB: This module is a 5 ECTS version of the module LING6006 Language in Society, and should only...

The module will provide an introduction to theories of leadership, leadership in the field of education, teacher instructional leadership for capacity building and leadership for learning to sustain school improvement.

As you progress to more senior roles in your school or educational institution there is a need to develop your skills and knowledge in the area of management. In this module you will focus on understanding the principles of management, applying these to e...

This module provides the core methodological and analytic tools underlying the MSc Global Health. The primary objective is to provide an overview of the conceptual, methodological and empirical basis for quantifying levels of health in individuals and pop...

This module will introduce you to the use of mixed methods for approaching and addressing research questions in a range of disciplines within social and human sciences. You will be introduced to the theories of mixed methods, and examine the ways in which...

The Open Science in Psychology module focuses on training students in current open science practices – practices which are becoming increasingly popular in modern psychology research.

This module will be coordinated and taught by staff in the Division of Social Statistics and Demography for MSc students. PhD students are also welcome to audit this module. The aim of this module is to enhance knowledge and understanding of the inter...

This module will provide you with guidance and support throughout the writing of your dissertation. From discussing your initial ideas of your dissertation through the process of actually writing the document, this module will provide you with the informa...

Qualitative Methods II builds upon the material learnt in Qualitative Methods I and addresses a range of specialist qualitative techniques, their underpinning theoretical framework and their practical application.

This module will present and discuss the main econometric techniques that are used in applied econometric research, and demonstrated through applications. One of the pre-requisites for ECON6003, ECON6040 and ECON6041

The emphasis will be on the practical application of statistical methods and the interpretation of results using the statistical computer software SPSS. The module will draw on a range of international and UK data sources. One of the pre-requisites ...

Quantitative Methods II builds upon the material learnt in Quantitative Methods I and introduces students to some commonly used statistical methods for analysing data.

The aim of this module is to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of ol...

This module introduces the different theoretical approaches which have been adopted for studying the acquisition of language, and examines and assesses current theories of first and second language acquisition in the light of empirical evidence. NB: T...

This module is designed to enable and encourage students to apply social psychological and related methods and theories to various aspects of sexual health, including both psychological and physical aspects.

Statistical genetics has played a pivotal role in the discovery of genes that cause disease in humans. This module introduces the basic concepts and terms in genetics and demonstrates the use of statistical models to identify disease genes in humans.

The Statistical Programming in R Module is focused on extending existing skills in analyzing data from quantitative research. The focus of this course will not be on extensively expanding the mathematical knowledge of the techniques employed but will be o...

The module provides an understanding of the social context of education and lifelong learning. This includes the ways in which education systems reflect broader economic, political, social and cultural structures and values; how these inform education pol...

This module will explore the concepts of Modern Society and the Welfare State, based on key theories. We will engage with how modernity has been framed by classical and contemporary sociological writings and in that context analyse how individuals, collec...

This module is an introduction to the substantive concepts of demography, how populations change and grow or shrink, and the transitions that populations make in various stages of their development. An introduction to the past, present and future world po...

The module will address technological and demographic changes and related risks, the actors and structures that contribute and respond to social change and how it is theorised in contemporary sociology. Processes as well as impact of social change at the ...

The module examines the techniques of process, product, context, and instruction of writing in a second language. The first deals with composing and the writer in relation to the text; the second deals with the text produced, its structure and organisatio...