
About this program
Social Science Research Methods (Psychology) (Taught)
The PgDip Social Science Research Methods will provide you with advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences. All course pathways have ESRC recognition and meet the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
This programme offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive area of interest at postgraduate level.
You’ll be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You’ll also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
Psychology pathway
Well-resourced and with an excellent international reputation, the School of Psychology is one of the UK’s largest centres of psychology. In the latest Research Excellence Framework, it ranked 2nd in the UK for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
The Psychology pathway will provide you with an advanced knowledge of the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of empirical studies within the discipline of psychology. Students on this pathway engage in School-based research activity in two areas within the School, from neuroscience, cognitive science, development and health, and social and environmental psychology.
Admission requirements
2:1 or equivalent undergraduate degree in Psychology or Social Sciences. Alternatively, you may be considered for admission if you are able to demonstrate that you have held, for a minimum period of two years, a position of responsibility relevant to the program, or, in exceptional circumstances, be able to demonstrate equivalent skills that are sufficient to meet the demands of the program.
Where English is not your first language, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6:5 overall,(to include 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other sub-scores) or an equivalent English qualification.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Social Science Research Methods (Psychology) (Taught) (Full time)
Year one
- Developing Core Research Skills
- Foundations of Social Science Research
- Research Skills in Practice
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Research Applications
- Social Science Research Methods (Psychology) (Taught) (Part time)
Year one
Optional modules
- Developing Core Research Skills
- Foundations of Social Science Research
- Research Skills in Practice
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Research Applications
Year two
Optional modules
- Developing Core Research Skills
- Foundations of Social Science Research
- Research Skills in Practice
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Research Applications
Scholarships & funding
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Tuition
Full-Time tuition fees
- UK students:£8,200
- International students:£18,700
Part-Time tuition fees
- UK students:£4,100
- International students:£9,350
For more information about tuition fee, please visit the university website.
Qualification
What skills will I practise and develop?
By fully engaging with this course, you should be able to:
- Critically evaluate existing knowledge, scholarship and research, and appreciate competing claims and theoretical perspectives.
- Apply your knowledge and skills and show originality in your thinking by tackling both familiar and unfamiliar problems.
- As appropriate, evaluate, synthesise and interpret data, and be able to collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret data in the form of a project or dissertation.
- Demonstrate high-level academic and personal skills applicable to your own research or scholarship, such as writing, oral presentations, problem solving and group work, and the use and application of information technologies in, for example, literature searches, research methods, and data analysis and presentation.
Career paths
The course aims to provide knowledge and expertise suitable for careers in research and development, business, market studies, public agencies at international, national and local levels, education, teaching and other public services work, and voluntary organisations.
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About this institute

Cardiff University
Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines a prestigious heritage with impressive modern facilities, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK. As part of the Russell Group, our students benefit from our outstanding research quality and reputation, while...
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Cardiff University
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