Sociology MA, Research Design, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims at deepening the knowledge on research process and research design in order to provide the students with scientific tools for designing their own research project.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be equipped to:

• Describe the research design process and identify relevant research questions based on theoretical assumptions.
• Conduct a systematic literature review and critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of included studies.
• Conduct a research design for a proposed research project.
• Reflect on how the research design impact the research project.

Content

In this course, students are introduced to strategies to design and conduct their Master’s thesis project. The course examines the research process, from forming initial research questions to writing up the findings. The course builds the students’ ability to identify research questions and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different study designs to answer chosen research questions and grapple with ethical issues related to the study design. Students learn to conduct a proper literature review and evaluate empirically based studies. The course intends to provide students with a critical understanding of the process and complexity of doing research and facilitate scientific tools to design a sociological research project in the form of their Master's dissertation.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in social or behavioural sciences, of which a minimum of 60 credits in sociology. English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is in the form of lectures and seminars.

Examination form

1000: Seminars, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
In the event of absence from a mandatory seminar, a completion task is given.

2000: Exam Paper, 5.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

The course is examined through active participation in seminars and a written exam paper.

Criteria for assessment: see discipline specific criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the syllabus are entitled to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this syllabus. Thereafter, the latest version of the syllabus applies.

Grading system

Three-grade scale

Other information

Course certificates, credit transfers, appeals etc. are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance.