Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods
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Diploma
- Code
- E12
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 120 credit points
Description
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods provides a broad training in social research methods. The diploma provides training in aspects of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with compulsory and optional courses introducing the collection and analysis of both structured and unstructured data.
It aims to:
- enable you to understand a range of relevant methodological debates and ethical guidelines
- equip you with basic and advanced social research methods, transferable skills (including IT skills) and an understanding of alternative approaches to research
- enable you to conduct and evaluate social research in academic, commercial or professional environments.
Planning your studies
The minimum entry requirements are a UK honours degree (or equivalent), ideally but not necessarily in the social sciences, and the knowledge of research methods and statistics appropriate to that level. You should read the detailed advice about entry and preparation in the individual course descriptions.
Courses start in either May or November. 30-point courses are taught over a sixteen-week study period. Examinations are held in April and October.
It is expected that you will commence your studies towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods with the postgraduate foundation courseInvestigating the social world (D822) which is the preferred entry course for this qualification. It will equip you with the requisite skills for postgraduate-level study.
Because of the demands that courses in the diploma will make on you we recommend that you take only one course at a time, particularly in your first year. We cannot guarantee that the same selection of courses will continue to be available.
To claim this qualification, you must complete the required 120 points of credit within eight years of the commencement of your study.
You must include at least 40 credit points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU qualification you have been awarded.
Courses
For this 120-point postgraduate diploma, you require:
90 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Postgraduate compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | May 2010 |
| or | ||
|
30 | May 2010 |
| And | ||
|
30 | May 2010 |
|
30 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses D840, DT840, DTZY840, DZY844
And 30 points from the following optional courses:
| Postgraduate optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Nov 2010 |
|
30 | Nov 2010 FINAL |
|
30 | Nov 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 FINAL |
|
30 | May 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses D820, D850, D851, D852, D853, D854, D857, D861, D862, DZY843
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.
On completion
On successful completion of 120 points of required courses you will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods entitling you to use the letters PGD SRM (Open) after your name.
You may continue your studies and add 60 points to your diploma to gain a masters degree. This could be either the MSc in Social Research Methods (F24) or one of a number of specialised masters degrees depending on your choice of courses. For further information about these please consult the relevant qualification descriptions.
If you leave the programme before you qualify for the Diploma you can be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Social Sciences Research Methods (C52) if you hold 60 points from Investigating the social world (D822) or Investigating the psychological world (D821) and Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods (D849)(or the discontinued courses D840, DT840 or DTZY840).
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Methods
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Social Sciences.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
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Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
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