Accessibility statement

Advanced Methods in Social Research - SOC00011M

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

The module provides advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis training. These techniques will form a tool-kit on which students will be able to draw to develop innovative projects.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The module provides advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis training. These techniques will form a tool-kit on which students will be able to draw to develop innovative projects. Emphasis is placed on a practical knowledge of the techniques through concrete examples and exercises.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students will be able to:

  1. Conduct research using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods;

  2. Use appropriate statistical data analysis software

  3. Critically evaluate methodological issues related to the analysis of complex social surveys;

  4. Critically analyse research conducted on advanced methodological techniques

  5. Engage with a range of methodological possibilities and the complexity of implementing methods within research projects.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 50
Essay/coursework 50

Module feedback

For formative work, students will receive written feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. The formative assessment provides practice for the summative tasks which entail a 3,500-word essay which is in line with MLOs particularly 1-5.

For summative work – essay - students will receive an overall mark and grading according to clearly defined criteria for assessing their knowledge, skills and abilities in line with MLOs 1-5. They will also receive written feedback showing areas in which they have done well and areas in which they need to improve that will contribute to their progress.

Indicative reading

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gayle, V. and Lambert, P. (2018). What is quantitative longitudinal data analysis? Bloomsbury Publishing.
Postill, J. and Pink, S. (2012). Social media ethnography: The digital researcher in a messy web. Media International Australia 145(1), 123-134.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.