The Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods provides knowledge and skills in the design and application of qualitative and quantitative methods for social research.
The course is one of a suite of methods-based postgraduate degrees delivered across the University. Successful completion provides wide-ranging opportunities for interdisciplinary study which can help you transition into enhanced careers in academia, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, charitable organisations, the business sector and more. Alternatively, it can serve as a stepping-stone into social science research.
You will look at the conceptual and practical underpinnings and implications of research across a range of social scientific disciplines. You will also develop essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative research.
The Department of Sociology is home to the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action and the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse. As a student in the Department, your learning will be informed by the ongoing research carried out by experts from the research centres, many of whom are working at the forefront of their field.
Course structure
Core modules:
Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Research introduces contemporary social scientific research from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will explore complex causation and how it is addressed methodologically across different disciplines. The module also introduces design strategies and different disciplinary practices, and considers ethical issues in the conduct of social research, including issues of power and equality.
Quantitative Methods and Analysis develops your knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis. You will learn how to use statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets and to make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena.
Qualitative Methods and Analysis equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to understand, conceptualise and critically appraise qualitative social sciences research, including different approaches to research and design, and analysis of qualitative data. This module helps prepare you to carry out your own qualitative research projects.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
Advanced Ethnographic Research
Multilevel Modelling
Simulating Data in R
Systematic Review
Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences
Teaching is delivered via lectures to introduce key concepts, theories and debates; discussion-based seminars; interactive workshops; and practical sessions enabling you to learn to use computer software packages with support.
Your contact hours will be supplemented by a substantial element of independent learning, including further reading and research. You will have access to a variety of learning resources, including learning spaces in libraries and teaching rooms, computers, databases, journals and a wide range of textbooks.
All teaching staff are available for two allocated hours each week so you can access additional support.
Assessment
The PGCert is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, statistical/computer-based projects, reports, group and individual presentations and research proposals and analyses. The statistics modules may require you to complete specific analyses with more structured instructions.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree is required; it is desirable but not compulsory for this to be in social sciences, whilst we also welcome students with degrees in arts, humanities and science subjects. You should demonstrate clearly why you are interested in the Postgraduate Certificate in your personal statement.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
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