This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will involve students undertaking social research in a placement setting, while simultaneously reflecting on the process of undertaking real-life social research, culminating in an assessed final output and reflection on their placement. Placements will involve students undertaking research projects identified by host charities or public sector organisations, with students delivering a final research report to the charity.
Aside from the ongoing support of the module convenor, students would also receive lectures covering:
- Turning an organisation's ideas into a viable research project (noting that the convenor will already have worked with placement
organisations to ensure that all projects are viable);
- Good practice in undertaking social research projects (e.g. data security, data management);
- Ethics in applied social research (certainty/uncertainty, power, and 'usefulness');
- Reflecting on research practice (linked to the second part of the assessment.
Total contact hours: 10
Private study hours: 290 hours (200 hours research placement, 90 hours private study)
Total study hours: 300
As an optional module for
Social Policy BA
Social Policy joint honours programmes
Health and Social Care BA.
Main assessment methods
Coursework - research report (6,000 words or equivalent portfolio) – 75%
Coursework - reflective diary (2,000 words) – 25%
Both main assessments must be passed in order to pass the module overall
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods, 5th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Cottrell, S. (2010) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability, Second Edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Fanthome, C. (2004) Work Placements - A Survival Guide for Students, Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Herbert, I. and Rothwell, A. (2004) Managing Your Placement: A Skills Based Approach, Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Robson, C. and McCartan, K. (2016) Real-World Research, Fourth Edition. Oxford: Wiley.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1. Critically understand the difference between social research in theory and social science research in practice.
8.2. Critically understand the need for clear and robust research in real-life-settings, such as producing clear and usable results, data
protection, pressures for certainty and/or simplicity, and to produce results that can have an impact on the work of charities and public
sector organisations.
8.3. Conduct advanced social analyses in an applied setting;
8.4. Report (verbally and in writing) on social research and analyses, to both technical and non-technical audiences.
8.5. Demonstrate an ability to reflect on their own position as a social researcher in an applied setting.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1. Demonstrate communication and presentation skills.
9.2. Conduct research to meet the needs of an organisation, including team working with those who do not have technical research skills.
9.3. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing situations.
9.4. Self-appraise and reflect on practice.
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