SO476     
Researching Migration: research questions and research methods

This information is for the 2023/24 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Patrick McGovern STC.S110

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy and MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

Having introduced the students to a range of possible research strategies, the students will identify appropriate research methods training for their proposed thesis and undertake a number of practical exercises to help develop their ideas. They will also prepare informal seminar presentations on their proposed topic during AT and WT. Early in the ST, they will present their proposal in a ‘Three-Minute-Thesis' workshop.  A final proposal will be submitted after this workshop having completed a 2000 word prospectus on some aspect of the proposed dissertation.  At each stage, participants will be encouraged to use feedback from the course convenors and fellow students to help develop their research.

Teaching

Lectures 3 x 2 hours (6); Seminars 2 x 2 hours (4); Workshop 5 hours (5). Total 15 hours

Teaching arrangements may be adjusted if online teaching is required at any point.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 3 presentations across the AT, WT and ST.

Indicative reading

Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods, H62 B91; Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2008) Researching Social Life H62 R 43; Hancke, R. (2009) Intelligent Research Design: A Guide for Beginning Students in the Social Sciences, H62 H23;  Landman, T. (2007) Issues and Methods in Comparative Politics, JF51 L25; Silverman, D. (2002) Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook H62 S58.

Assessment

This course is not assessed.

Key facts

Department: Sociology

Total students 2022/23: 41

Average class size 2022/23: 10

Controlled access 2022/23: Yes

Value: Non-credit bearing

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills