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Programme structure: Social Science Research Methods (Sociology) (MSc) - what's running in 2014/15

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

SOCIOLOGY PATHWAY

Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences SPAIM0031 20 Mandatory TB-1
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences SPAIM0029 20 Mandatory TB-1
Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences SPAIM0030 20 Mandatory TB-1
Dissertation SOCIM1000 60 Mandatory AYEAR
At least ONE from the following list:
Philosophy of Social Science SOCIM3125 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Quantitative Research SOCIM3133 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Qualitative Research SOCIM3132 20 Optional TB-2
Discourse Analysis: Research Methods for Politics and International Relations POLIM3024 20 Optional TB-2
Nuclear (In)security SPAIM0026 20 Optional TB-2
Nations & Nationalism SPAIM0009 20 Optional TB-2
Care, Labour and Gender SPAIM0010 20 Optional TB-2
European Foreign Policy SPAIM0022 20 Optional TB-1
Understanding Risk SPAIM0024 20 Optional TB-1
The Politics of Insecurity SPAIM0042 20 Optional TB-2
Classics of Modern Cultural Theory SPAIM0035 20 Optional TB-2
Global Transitions: Power, Hegemony, and the Ordering of the Global Political Economy SPAIM0044 20 Optional TB-2
The Politics of Humanitarian Aid SPAIM0045 20 Optional TB-2
Religion, Ethnicity and Value Change SPAIM0046 20 Optional TB-2
TWO 20 credit units from the full optional list of postgraduate taught units running in SPAIS during Teaching Block 2
MSc Social Science Research Methods (Sociology)   180    

Progression/award requirements

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.

For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.

Exit awards

All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.

Degree classifications:

An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.

The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:

Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.

Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.

* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.

** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.

Diploma/certificate stages:

All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.

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