This module will introduce students to studying and researching for interdisciplinary social science degree programmes. The phrase ‘an interdisciplinary subject’, means that during your academic studies, students will use ideas, theories, data and methods from a range of disciplines or subjects such as sociology, politics, history, psychology, economics and international studies, as well as theories and practices which are distinctive to the academic discipline of social policy itself.
Through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions and guided independent study the module students will have the opportunity to assess and develop their knowledge and skills in researching and communicating relevant topics. Students will also have the opportunity to explore how claims, issues and questions regarding policy and society can be analysed and understood using a range of sources of data, research strategies and positions.
In addition both semesters will be supported by a range of study skills support designed to support student learning during their academic careers.
In sum, students will be given the opportunity to further develop their capacity to undertake study, research and communicate their understanding of Policy and Society. This will be essential for helping students to manage their transition to University level study and for preparing students for more advanced forms of study, research and analysis.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Identify and describe different approaches to researching the social world (i.e. different research strategies);
Explain the key influences on the conduct of social research, and on research findings, namely: Philosophical assumptions about what constitutes social reality (ontology); what we accept as valid evidence of that reality (epistemology); the means by which we investigate that context (methodology); the means by which we gather evidence (methods);
Choose the most appropriate research design (including methods) to address different research problems/questions.
Enhance the ability to collaborate effectively within a team, contributing to and integrating diverse perspectives to achieve a common goal.
