Social Research

On this course, you’ll focus on research specialisms encompassing sociology, social policy, politics, criminology, education studies, urban studies, youth studies and cultural studies. You’ll study a range of research methodologies – including interview-based narrative and biographical research, case studies, media analysis and statistical analysis of large data sets.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD. Several recent students have gone onto doctoral level study. You can also take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or certificate (PgCert) in Research Methods in Social Science.

You learn through

Work placements

The entire MRes programme is geared towards applied learning – providing the skills (methodological, analytical, theoretical and practical) you’ll need to manage real-world research projects. These skills will be showcased in your extended dissertation.

Beyond this, you’ll have the opportunity to arrange a two-week long work placement with one of Sheffield Hallam University’s externally facing research centres – such as the Centre for Development and Research in Education, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies. This will give you valuable insight into the world of policy-oriented research.

In addition to this, you will also be able to access the Professional Skills for Research Leadership programme of events, which provides advice and skills for those seeking to pursue research careers inside and outside of academia.

Live projects

In the Sociology subject group, we conduct real-world research projects and publish academic books and articles in a wide range of areas. These include postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality, research methods and reflexivity, addiction and recovery, health policy, social class and class identities, employment and welfare reform, protest and policing, evaluation of educational interventions, subcultures and consumption.

Staff from Sociology have been submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Sheffield Hallam University is also part of the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council to recognise excellence in the delivery of research methods instruction.

Networking opportunities

Alongside your fellow MRes Social Science students, you’ll benefit from a learning environment where you share some classes with doctoral students – giving you the opportunity to debate, share ideas and organise reading and study support sessions.

Competitions

You’ll have an opportunity to gain experience in the dissemination of research – by presenting your research projects at the annual Postgraduate Research and Early Careers Research Poster Conference and Competition.