Advanced Social Research Methodology

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ADVANCED SHORT COURSE IN SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The UJ Department of Sociology is pleased to be able to invite you to enrol for our annual workshop leading either to an officially accredited qualification in advanced Social Research Methodology or to one MA coursework module. The course is registered with the South African Qualification Authority at NQF level 8 and is taught at a master’s level, but has been experienced as useful by more senior scholars and experienced practitioners. The course covers qualitative and quantitative social research methods, plus the theoretical issues underlying these approaches. It includes an introduction to SPSS, a user-friendly package for processing quantitative data.

 

Dates and times of offering
Dates: 17-21 April 08:30 – 16:00; 15-19 May 08:30-16:00

All lectures are offered in-person and on UJs campus.

Students should be prepared to dedicate these two entire weeks to the course in addition to individual after hours and weekend work. Preparation and assignments take place outside of these periods. Finally, a presentation of a research proposal is scheduled later in the year.

 

Topics
Topics covered include * SPSS * Managing research and writing proposals * Philosophy and ethics of social research * Analysis of quantitative data * Group and individual interviews * Epistemological considerations * Observation and participation * Archival research * Getting the best out of the internet * Developing research questions * Considering gender * Sampling * Large scale projects * Linking ‘pure’ academic and applied research.

 

Who should apply?
Anyone concerned to develop advanced research skills, including consultants, university, NGO and public administration staff, trade union research officers and senior graduate students.

 

Requirements

 The normal minimum requirement is an honours degree in a social science subject. For students with significant, relevant work experience, an ordinary bachelor’s degree may suffice.

 

Assessment and outcome
The assessment takes place by four assignments, each worth a quarter of the coursework component. This includes three essays and one SPSS assignment. Students prepare and present a research proposal that constitutes the course examination. Successful students will be awarded an accredited University of Johannesburg certificate (or 25% of an MA degree). While assignments are marked at the master’s level, doctoral students and senior scholars are also welcome.

 

Cost
The course fee for a specific year is usually established by November of the previous year. The cost for 2023 can be expected to be just in excess of R13,000. This should hopefully include the general university registration fee and ICT levy, access to the SPSS package and the UJ library, as well as course fees. Foreign students are charged one additional levy. Fees must be paid and proof of payment and registration from the university must be provided to the course coordinator on or before 28 February. Travel, lunch and fringe costs are for your own account.

In addition, R250.- should be paid into entity number 05.05.006500.20.16200 at the UJ cashiers and proof of payment presented to the departmental secretary at CRing 6 (during open hours) prior to the start of the teaching block. This is in order to purchase the prescribed SPSS workbook, of which the cost is subject to change. SPSS can be used on the computers available in the teaching venue, and students should use all extra time during the teaching weeks and on the last day of the course to utilise these facilities. The relevant SPSS data files are made available on the course Blackboard site.

 

Contact
Applications should be submitted to the UJ enrolment centre. Two applications must be submitted, the UJ official application form and the departmental application form that is available at this link: Postgrad application form.pdf All applications should be accompanied by the names and contact details of two referees and an academic record. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after receipt of the application.

For more information regarding the postgraduate Diploma in ASR, contact Dr David du Toit by e-mail at daviddt@uj.ac.za. The online portal will open on 01 April for studies in 2023. Please contact Prof Melanie Samson, the MA coordinator at melanies@uj.ac.za.