SO500 One Unit
Aims and Methods Research Class for MPhil Students
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Suzi Hall
Dr Claire Moon
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MPhil/PhD in Sociology. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes.
Course content
The research seminar aims to provide students with a practical framework within which to think through planning their research. This includes devising research questions, how to do a literature review, selecting appropriate methods for research, linking theory and practices, ethical issues and writing. The course will comprise workshops and student presentations. By the end of the course students should be able to formulate clear aims and methods for their own research. All first year MPhil students must attend.
Teaching
15 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
15 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Presentation
Assessment
Research design (100%, 5000 words)
A 5,000 word research paper is to be submitted in ST of Year 1. The paper will set out the 'aims and methods' of the research based on your reading and thinking so far.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Course Study Period: Autumn and Winter Term
Unit value: One unit
FHEQ Level: Level 8
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 7
Average class size 2024/25: 7
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.