Part I on qualitative methods (Michaelmas Term) develops common research methods in the social sciences including but not limited to the topics of concept formation, causal analysis, single and comparative case study methods, case selection, qualitative interviewing, historical and ethnographic methods, and genealogy. The course familiarizes students with a suite of research techniques, taking account of their methodological and epistemological background. The emphasis is on enabling students to become savvy consumers, and eventually producers, of scholarship using qualitative methods.

Part II on quantitative methods (Hilary Term): Lectures are held jointly with the first-year MPhil students, while classes are organised in smaller groups, and are led by teaching assistants. The aim of this course is to familiarize students with the basic statistical methods used in quantitative social research with a focus on descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, model building, regression analysis, and identification of causal relationships. The emphasis is on the intuitive understanding of concepts and procedures. The course provides students with an elementary understanding of the logic of statistical analysis and with the skills to conduct a basic analysis using a statistical software. It also equips students to present basic quantitative data and helps them develop strategies for using data to support their research. The aim is to develop skills in research methods for those who have no prior experience, and to enhance the skills of those with some prior knowledge. It should also be helpful to students in critically appraising published research.

Please note that the option courses available change from year to year. Below is a list of options that have run in previous years. There is no guarantee that the same options will be offered in future years.

Information on non-core options is made available at the start of each academic year.