3098 - Master of Applied Social Research

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.

Students successfully completing this course will have:

• a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study
• a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• advanced analytical skills
• 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.

Students undertake units to the value of 48 points at level fourfour and 24 points at level fivefive. All units are worth 12 points unless otherwise indicated.

Level four 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 four elective chosen from the faculties of Arts, Business and Economics, or Information Technology

Level five 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 five 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.

Students who have completed studies in the masters to the value of:

• 24 points may apply to exit with a Graduate Certificate of Arts
• 48 points may apply to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Research

Students will also exit the masters with the approprtiate award if they do not maintain a minimum credit average (60 C ).

Master of Applied Social Research

* Where more than one award is listed, or in the case of double degrees, where more than one award is listed for one or both components of the double degree, the actual award/s conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved (eg in the case of 'with honours' programs), or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.