SO500
Aims and Methods Research Class for MPhil Students
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Michael Savage STC S210
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MPhil/PhD in Cities Programme and MPhil/PhD in Sociology. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The research seminar aims to provide students with a conceptual and 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
20 hours of seminars in the MT. 20 hours of seminars in the LT. 2 hours of seminars in the ST.
Teaching arrangements may be adjusted if online teaching is required at any point.
Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in MT Week 6 and LT Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
A 5,000 word formative paper is due by the first Friday in May of Year 1, to be submitted to the Course Convenor and Supervisors.
Assessment
Paper (100%) in the ST.
10,000 word Upgrade paper on the 'aims and methods' of the thesis including preliminary data collection and analysis, and a viva voce examination. For full-time students, this Upgrade paper is submitted through Moodle by Friday of Week 6 of the MT in Year 2. The viva voce examination will be conducted by the end of the MT in Year 2. Satisfactory completion of the Upgrade paper and the viva voce examination are necessary in order to Upgrade from MPhil to PhD student. Part-time students may elect to be evaluated in Year 2 or Year 3.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Total students 2019/20: 7
Average class size 2019/20: 4
Value: One Unit
