Social and Economic History (Research Methods)

Program Overview

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The MA in Social and Economic History (Research Methods) equips students with advanced research skills in social and economic history. The program offers core modules in interdisciplinary perspectives, historical themes, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students can personalize their learning through elective options and culminate their studies with a dissertation exploring a specialized area of interest.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

The MA in Social and Economic History (Research Methods) is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills required to undertake in-depth research within their chosen area of social and economic history. The program is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and forms part of the four-year Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership, culminating in a PhD in history.

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Program Description:

This one-year full-time or two-year part-time program is collaboratively offered by the Department of History and the Department of Sociology. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced research skills through a combination of core modules and optional electives. Core modules delve into interdisciplinary research perspectives, historical themes and sources, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and provide training in ethical considerations. Students can further personalize their learning by choosing from diverse elective options ranging from Computational Social Science to Power and Society in the Late Middle Ages. The program culminates in a dissertation allowing students to independently explore a specialized area of interest within the broader field of social and economic history.

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Outline:

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Course Structure:

The program consists of three components:

• Major Research Project (Dissertation): 60 credits
• Core Modules: 0-90 credits based on program selection

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Core Modules:

• Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Science Research (15 credits): Introduces students to diverse social science research programs and challenges involved in interdisciplinary work.
Ethical considerations in research are also explored.
• Themes, Readings and Sources (30 credits): Provides training in historical skills, methodologies, and theories, equipping students for independent learning and research regardless of their specialization.
• Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis (15 credits): Focuses on developing skills and knowledge in quantitative data analysis, teaching students to use statistical techniques for data exploration and inference.
• Qualitative Methods and Analysis (15 credits): Equips students with the skills and knowledge to understand and assess qualitative social science research, including different approaches to research design and analysis of qualitative data.

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Elective Modules (15 credits):

• Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences
• Advanced Ethnographic Research
• Multilevel Modelling
• Simulating Data in R
• Systematic Review
• Computational Social Science

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen modules and include:

• Essays
• Reports
• Research analysis exercises
• Exams
• Presentations
• Dissertation (33% of overall mark)

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Teaching:

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Delivery Methods:

• Small group seminar teaching
• Larger classes and lecture-style sessions
• Social science modules may include workshops and practical classes

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Contact Hours:

• Varies depending on the module
• Majority of modules provide 20 contact hours

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Other:

• The program attracts a vibrant and engaged postgraduate community actively involved in the academic environment through discussion groups, conferences, and events.
• Students can access extensive learning resources through libraries, archives, and special historical collections housed within the University and the city.

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Full Time Fees

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Tuition fees

Home students £10,400 per year EU students £24,750 per year Island students £10,400 per year International students £24,750 per year

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Part Time Fees

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Tuition fees

Home students £5,800 per year EU students £13,700 per year Island students £5,800 per year International students £13,700 per year