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MA/PGDip Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice)

The Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice) programme from University of Birmingham is for those who have practice experience in the fields of social work, health and social care or criminal justice, and who are interested in undertaking an academic or research career.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: MA: 1 year Full-Time; 2 years Part-Time
PGDip: 9 months Full-Time; 18 months Part-Time
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,960 per year (MA – Full-time)
£14,640 per year (PGDip – Full-time)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

The MA Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice) is recognised by the ESRC as a research training pathway designed to provide you with a sound background in overall research design and the most up-to-date training in methods, including data collection and analysis for potential doctoral students. The MA Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice) welcomes applications from international students.

The core elements of this programme are delivered by staff from across the College of Social Sciences, many of them engaged in cutting-edge research in their particular fields.

The Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice) programme from University of Birmingham includes assessed core modules and short courses (120 credits) and the completion of a 12,000 word dissertation (60 credits), while the Postgraduate Diploma includes the assessed courses only (120 credits).

Within social work and social care there is an increasing emphasis on the use of research to inform ‘evidence-based policy-making’ and practice. The MA Social Research (Social Work and Professional Practice) will provide you with rigorous training in social science research methods and their application to social work and equip you with the skills to make a real difference in this area.

Courses include:

  • Philosophy of Social Science Research
  • Research Design, Practice and Ethics
  • Issues and Debates in Social Work
  • Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Approaches to Research on Discourse
  • Multivariate Linear and Logistic Regression
  • Factor Analysis

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

This course is designed for those considering research as a career. That includes those wanting an academic career, for whom this degree is ideal preparation for undertaking a doctorate (PhD). It also includes those seeking a research career in such areas as central government, charities and in consultancies and social research. The degree also provides good transferable skills in evaluation and in analysing data and the ability to critique published research.

Requirements

  • For entry onto this programme you will normally have an undergraduate degree in a social science of at least a 2:1. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis, if you have extensive related work experience.
  • International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.

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