MRes Social Research and Gender and Sexuality

Program Overview

The MRes in Social Research and Gender and Sexuality at Birkbeck, University of London is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that provides rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a focus on gender and sexuality studies. The program prepares students for further research or MPhil/PhD study, and offers potential career paths in government, NGOs, and academia.

Program Outline

Social Research and Gender and Sexuality (MRes) - Birkbeck, University of London

Degree Overview:

• Program: Master of Research in Social Research and Gender and Sexuality (MRes)
• Length: 1 year full-time (3 evenings a week), 2 years part-time (1-2 evenings a week)
• Start date: October 2024
• Location: Central London, on campus
• Type of study: On-campus
• Awarding body: University of London
• Focus: Interdisciplinary approach to critical social research
• Objective: Prepare students for further research or MPhil/PhD study
• Key aspects:
• Rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods
• In-depth exploration of research design
• Interdisciplinary and theoretically informed approach
• Strong foundation for doctoral progression
• Link to Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality (BiGS) research center

Outline:

• Structure:
• Four core modules (15 credits each) from a choice of six in social research
• Two option modules (30 credits each) in gender and sexuality
• 12,000-15,000-word dissertation (60 credits)
• Core Modules:
• Advanced Topics in Quantitative Social Research
• Applied Social Data Analysis in R
• Experiments in Social Science
• Introduction to Quantitative Social Research
• Qualitative Research Design
• Qualitative Social Research Methods
• Optional Modules (example):
• Culture, Community, Identity
• Disciplining Sex: Sexuality, Society and Modern Literary Culture
• Gender and Development
• Queer Histories/Queer Cultures
• Theorising Gender
• Course Schedule: Three evenings a week (full-time) or one to two evenings a week (part-time), from October to July.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods: Coursework (essays, reports, portfolios), research project, final examination (depending on the specific module)
• Assessment criteria: Clarity of argument, originality of research, critical thinking skills, methodological expertise, effective communication.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops
• Faculty: Experts in various social research fields and gender and sexuality studies
• Unique approaches: Interdisciplinary focus, critical analysis of social research methods, strong emphasis on theory and practice, close collaboration with faculty and peers.

Careers:

• Potential career paths:
• Government departments
• Think tanks
• NGOs
• Civil Service
• Political parties
• Possible professions:
• Social researcher
• Government social researcher
• Human resources officer
• Higher education lecturer
• Politician’s assistant
• Career support: Provided by Birkbeck's "Careers and Enterprise" service

Other:

• Entry requirements: Second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or equivalent international qualification
• English language requirements:
• IELTS Academic Test score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each sub-test
• Pre-sessional English courses available for students who do not meet the requirements
• Fees:
• Full-time home students: £10,800 per year
• Full-time international students: £19,830 per year
• Part-time students: £5,400 per year (home) / £9,915 per year (international)
• Scholarships: Available for eligible international students

Conclusion:

The MRes in Social Research and Gender and Sexuality at Birkbeck offers a unique and rigorous program for students interested in pursuing advanced research in this critical field. With a strong focus on interdisciplinarity, critical analysis, and practical skills development, the program prepares graduates for a variety of research and professional opportunities.

• Part-time home students: £5,400 per year
• Full-time home students: £10,800 per year
• Part-time international students: £9,915 per year
• Full-time international students: £19,830 per year