Prof Suki Ali and Dr David Pinzur

This course is compulsory on the MPhil/PhD in Sociology. This course is not available as an outside option.

The research seminar aims to provide students with a 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.

15 hours of seminars in the AT. 15 hours of seminars in the WT.

Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in AT Week 6 and WT Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

A 5,000 word formative paper is to be submitted to the Course Convenor and Supervisors in ST of Year 1.

The SO500 formative paper will set out the 'aims and methods' of the research based on your reading and thinking so far.

Paper (100%) in the AT.

Upgrade Paper due in AT of Year 2: 10,000 word upgrade paper on the 'aims and methods' of the doctoral research including preliminary data collection and analysis, and a viva voce examination. The viva voce examination will be conducted by the end of the AT 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.