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MRes European Social Policy

Programme information was correct at 23 July 2013.

Programme

Qualifications and durations
  • Full-time MRes 1 year
  • Full-time PG Diploma Research 9 months
  • Full-time PG Certificate Research 4 months
  • Part-time MRes 2 to 5 years
  • Part-time PG Diploma Research 21 months
  • Part-time PG Certificate Research 16 months

Overview

The programme is designed for:

  • those developing careers as policy analysts and applied researchers in national, European or international social or public policy organisations
  • middle and senior ranking staff in the public, private or voluntary sectors of social policy as a mid-career re-training
  • prospective PhD students.

The programme combines the academic study of European Social Policy with a comprehensive exploration of research methods and skills. This takes place within an active research community where students are supported in identifying, investigating and realising their own original research.

The programme intake is limited to 16 students per year, fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Programme structure

Core Units 

  • Short research apprenticeship project (MRes)
  • Quantitative methods 1: introduction to quantitative methods
  • Long research apprenticeship project
  • Research for policy: concepts, methods and values
  • Comparative European social policy
  • Qualitative methods 1
  • Principles & skills of social research
  • MRes Disseration  

Optional Units

  • Globalisation & economic insecurity: social policy challenges
  • Quantitative methods 2
  • Qualitative methods 2
  • Comparative research methods

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • First or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university. or
  • an equivalent degree in another subject, together with substantial relevant work experience.

English Language requirements

Certificates must be dated to within two years of the start of the programme of study.

  • IELTS 7.0 (with not less than 6.5 in each of the four components)
  • TOEFL 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) with a score of not less than 4 in TWE or 100 (internet-based test) with not less than 24 in each of the components.

If you wish to improve your English proficiency before commencing your studies, pre-sessional language training can be arranged through the English Language Centre.

References

  • Two references are required. At least one of these must be an academic reference.

Read details for how to apply to study.

Financial information

Costs

Potential sources of funding

Deadlines

We suggest you apply before the following dates if you wish to study this programme:

  • 30 June 2013 for International Students (who need to apply for a UK Visa).
  • 31 August 2013 for Home/EU students.
  • Funding deadlines for Studentships and Scholarships

Contact

Email: sps-pgt-admissions@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 38 6634

Related links

Our Research

Main areas of research

We are an internationally-recognised research-intensive department with a strong focus on policy and practice and a commitment to contribute to social wellbeing and social justice.

We draw together academic staff with backgrounds in Social Policy, Sociology, Social Work and International Development and work closely with colleagues in Psychology, Economics, and Health.

We also have an active and vibrant community of research students undertaking their own research alongside our academic staff.

Research Centres

Research themes

Our five research themes are:

Departmental Staff

Find out more about our staff and their research interests.

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About the Department

Introduction

The Department of Social & Policy Sciences includes academics from social policy, sociology, social work and international development.

The international excellence of our research was recognised by the award of the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011. We were also graded 2nd in the country for Social Work and Social Policy and Administration in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). The 2008 RAE exercise recognised the Department for its top 4*(star) research - 'quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour'.

International Development staff were part of the submission to the Development Studies research panel that was ranked 4th in the country.

We are committed to advancing learning and knowledge through teaching and research. Our Department collaborates with a wide range of users at the local, national, European and global levels.

Postgraduate programmes

We offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Our postgraduate teaching strongly reflects our research and our links to policy-makers and development institutions at the national, European and global level.

Our Department also has an active MPhil/PhD research programme. We take great pride in fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Seminar series

We run a lively and well attended postgraduate research seminar series. Each of the Research Centres run seminar series and conferences associated with their research activities. The University of Bath also has a Research in the World public lecture series where key national and international academics are invited to speak.

Careers information

We are committed to ensuring that postgraduate students acquire a range of subject-specific and generic skills during their training. Our graduates generally go on to work in a wide variety of organisations, for example:

  • social research in universities and research institutes, government, business, voluntary organisations and international organisations
  • public policy analysis at local, national and international levels
  • public information and campaigning within organisations concerned with wellbeing, sustainability and social justice.
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