Accessibility statement

Researching Policy and Society - SPY00036I

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to develop your understanding of how social research is undertaken and its role in social and public policy making. The module will equip you to critique published research and gain hands-on experience at researching a policy problem.

Module learning outcomes

Module Learning Outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the use and relevance of social research for social and public policy

  • To be able to understand and critique published research

  • To be aware of the ethics and politics of carrying out social research

  • To develop quantitative and qualitative research skills

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Bryman, A (2015) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press

Boaz, A., Davies, H., Fraser, A. and Nutley, S. (2019) What works now?: evidence informed policy and practice, Policy Press.

Majchrzah, A & Markus, L (2014) (2nd edition) Methods for policy research : taking socially responsible action, Sage Publications Ltd.

Stoker, Gerry ; Evans, Mark (2017) Evidence-based policy making in the social sciences : methods that matter, Policy


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.