Social Sciences Programme – MRes

This programme is hosted by the Faculty of Development and Society Graduate School. The Graduate School website provides a communication hub for students and staff engaged in research, information about our research work, and useful contact information.

The programme has courses within all faculties of the University. These courses serve several purposes. They• meet the needs of research students for training in social science research methodologies and methods
• provide a vocationally relevant qualification for research-oriented work
• enable established researchers to upgrade specific skills

The programme enables postgraduate students involved in social science research across the University to meet each other, share ideas, and participate in a vibrant research culture based on the Faculty of Development and Society Graduate School.

Courses within the programme are
• MRes Sociology, Planning and Policy
• MRes Psychology
• MRes Education
• MRes Cultural Studies
• MRes Business
• MRes Social Work
• MRes Health and Society

All serve as training for research students in disciplines using the theory, epistemology and methods of the social sciences.

As a student on the programme, you study approaches and methods available to social science researchers, and explore their implications, limits and uses.

Through designing and conducting research you gain technical competence in research and evaluation. You also develop theoretical knowledge and critical understanding of research epistemologies and methods, and the ethical issues involved in social research.

All routes include modules in qualitative research and quantitative research, together with modules specific to theory and research design in your discipline or field of interest. You can take individual modules as stand alone courses, or combine them to gain a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma. The full MRes includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD.

Applications, enrolment and induction
We normally accept applications until early September for a late September start, or early January for a late January start. Your application must be accepted before you enrol so please apply early.

If you already hold a research studentship at Sheffield Hallam University, please consult your supervisor and MRes route or programme leader. You need to complete an associate student form to be accepted onto the MRes modules you need for research training.

For an informal discussion about this programme please contact Dr Jenny Blain by e-mail at j.blain@shu.ac.uk