Master of Applied Social Research

Course code: 3098 ~ Course abbreviation: MAppSocRes ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield)

Course description

This course provides training in the theoretical, analytical and practical skills involved in social research. It is specifically designed for those people who will design, conduct and evaluate diverse social research projects. It is also intended to extend the skills of policy administrators who analyse research reports, formulate commissioned research projects and work together with staff researchers and/or outside consultants.

Course objectives

Students successfully completing this course will have: 1. a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. advanced analytical skills; 7. a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Masters, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Course structure

Students undertake units to the value of 48 points at level 4 and 24 points at level 5 to complete a total of 72 points. All units are worth 12 points unless otherwise indicated.

Course requirements

Level 4 units

SYM4005 Qualitative research strategies
SYM4015 Secondary analysis of official statistics
SYM4025 Survey research
SYM4055 Data analysis software for social research
or an approved 12-point, level 4 elective chosen from the faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, or Information Technology

Level 5 units

SYM5045 Analysing quantitative data
SYM5065 Issues in public policy
SYM5075 Applied social research project (24 points)*
SYM5085 Research practicum
or an approved 12-point, level 5 elective chosen from the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, or Information Technology

* Entry to the research project elective will be reserved for students with distinction-plus results in the core units.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate of Arts, or after successful completion of 48 points, including the core level 4 units listed below, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Research.

Course coordinator

Dr Kirsten McLean