This module offers a critical discussion on the logic and methods of social research within the field of philanthropy. It aims to familiarize students with central topics in research design and the ethics of social research so that they can apply this knowledge to their understanding of fields of social and public policy. The module critically explores students different methodological approaches and the debates behind their selection for conducting research. It will invite them to consider how research questions are generated and answered. It will enable students to identify common mistakes in the social research methods used to develop sector relevant policy and how to effectively and systematically address issues. Topics will also include: ethics and informed consent; sampling for qualitative and quantitative research; methods of primary and secondary data collection, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis. It will give them an opportunity to learn and practise introductory skills in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
Total contact hours: 15
Private study hours: 185
Total study hours: 200
Philanthropic Studies (Distance learning) MA
Main assessment methods
Coursework assignment 1- Critique of Research Report (2000 words) - 30%
Coursework assignment 2 - Research Design (3000 words) - 55%
Coursework - online forum contribution – 15%.
Reassessment methods
100% coursework.
Breeze, B. (2023) 'Interviewing Elite Donors: Gaining Access, Developing Rapport and Dealing with the Dazzle', VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit
Organizations, 34(1), pp. 154–161.
Clark, T. et al. (2021) Bryman's social research methods. Sixth edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Cresswell, J. (2013) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design. SAGE Publishing Ltd
Gilbert, G.N. and Stoneman, P. (eds) (2016) Researching social life. Fourth edition. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Kennedy, J.M. and Vargus, B. (2001) 'Challenges in Survey Research and Their Implications for Philanthropic Studies Research', Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 30(3), pp. 483–494.
Walliman, N. (2020) Your research project: designing, planning, and getting started. Fourth edition. Los Angeles: SAGE.
Wilding, K. (2021) 'Technical report: Mind the Giving Gap - Philanthropy Data and Sources.’ Available at: https://civilsocietycommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Technical-report_giving-gaps.pdf
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Have systematic understanding and critical awareness of the main types of social research that are used in fields of philanthropy, social
and public policy
8.2 To autonomously specify research questions (and if appropriate, construct hypotheses) and construct a research design appropriate to the
questions being asked.
8.3 Have systematic understanding and critical awareness of the ethical issues raised by philanthropic and social research.
8.4 To critically assess the methodological choices made in published research studies.
8.5 Use an in-depth understanding of appropriate techniques to critically assess whether the design of a research project is appropriate for
answering its questions.
8.6 Have a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the main approaches to the analysis of qualitative (grounded and deductive
coding) and quantitative (descriptive and inferential statistics) data.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Systematically communicate research results to academic and general audiences at a high level
9.2 Demonstrate self-direction and originality in managing their time, prioritise workloads and manage stress as well taking independent
responsibility for their learning and professional development.
9.3 Access and evaluate ICT and library based resources appropriate for postgraduate study; make critical judgments about their merits and
use the available evidence to construct and communicate a developed argument
9.4 Have a comprehensive understanding of appropriate techniques enabling them to demonstrate self-direction and originality in solving
problems that are common in social research.
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