Graduate School for the Social Sciences Research Training Programme Overview Vice-Principal & Head of College of Social Sciences: Prof Anne Anderson Dean of the Graduate School: Prof Richard Berry Interim Director of Graduate Training: Dr Jo Ferrie 1

School of Social and Political Sciences School of Education School of Business School of Law School of Interdisciplinary Studies College of Social Sciences 2

GS School of Social and Political Sciences School of Education School of Business School of Law School of Interdisciplinary Studies College of Social Sciences 3

Scottish Graduate School Events, representation, training and networks open to all PGR students – and information about applying for PhD funding for MSc or MRes students 4

Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Programme leader Graduate advisors Postgraduate Taught administrators in your school Grad School Who do I talk to? 5

Postgraduate Research (PGR) Your supervisor Graduate advisors Grad School Who do I talk to? 6

Graduate School for the Social Sciences Location: Florentine House, Room 107 – next to the Fraser Building, just up from the Library main entrance College office opening hours: Monday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Graduate School Research Training Website: 7

People... Dr Dickon Copsey College Employability OfficerDr Dickon Copsey Mrs Fiona Green Graduate School AdministratorMrs Fiona Green Mr Alan McConnell College AdministratorMr Alan McConnell Mrs Myrtle M Porch Graduate School Administrative AssistantMrs Myrtle M Porch Dr Gayle Pringle College International Student Learning OfficerDr Gayle Pringle Miss Linda Thomson Graduate School Training SecretaryMiss Linda Thomson Ms Adriana Torres College Recruitment and Conversion MarketingMs Adriana Torres 8

Graduate School Research Training Website aduateschoolresearchtrainingprogramme/ aduateschoolresearchtrainingprogramme/ Graduate School Handbook: – Graduate School Researcher Development Programme: – cherdevelopmentprogramme/ cherdevelopmentprogramme/ Forms: –Application for Extension to assignment submission deadlines form (.doc)Application for Extension to assignment submission deadlines form –Declaration of Originality Form (doc)Declaration of Originality –See archtrainingprogramme/#d.en archtrainingprogramme/#d.en

Core Courses delivered by Graduate School Social Science Statistics 1 Social Science Statistics 2 Qualitative Methods Advanced Qualitative Methods* Introduction to Social Theory for Researchers –* the AQM not required unless replacing SSS2 10

Registration, Enrolment & Induction 2013/14 PGR PGT 11

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Research Training Programme All new PhD students are strongly advised to attend all or part of the RTP. A significant number of Masters students are also required to complete elements of the RTP as part of their programme. You should discuss your participation with your supervisor(s) prior to the start of formal teaching as a matter of urgency. 14

New Postgraduate research students You need to self-enrol on your chosen courses via MyCampus 15

Research Training Programme Basic aims: –To meet the broad training needs of Postgraduate research students –To provide appropriate input into designated Research Training Masters/Diploma courses (see pages 5-10 for an overview) 16

Structure of the research training programme Core elements: –Social Science Statistics (1 & 2) –Qualitative Research Methods –Introduction to Social Theory for Researchers –Note: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods is allowed as an alternative to SSS 2 –Students who complete and pass all of the core courses to a satisfactory level will be awarded a Certificate in Social Science Research 17

Core elements - Registers Important: –Registers are taken in class (a statement regarding attendance is often requested by prospective employers along with a summary of academic performance) –Important that you sign these. The university is obliged to keep a record of attendance by the UKBA –Scholarship students – note that failure to sign registers can result in a delay in payment of your stipend 18

Course readers Bryman, A. 2004, 2nd ed. OR rd ed. OR th ed. Social Research Methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 19

Social Science Statistics 1 & 2 Dr Jo Ferrie & Colleagues –Introduction to statistical methods in the social sciences –Skills for interpreting and analysing data –Assumes basic level of statistical/mathematical competence Introduction to SPSS Labs, Introductory lectures and tutorials - compulsory Course lectures begin next week. Argyrous, G. Statistics for Research: With a Guide to SPSS (2 nd Ed. 2011)Statistics for Research: With a Guide to SPSS Students are advised that a number of courses have required pre- reading, it is expected you will do this reading before the course begins. We strongly encourage you to do this, as these readings lay very important foundations for your courses. Students who put in the effort to do the pre-reading find it very beneficial and are able to begin courses well informed and get more out of the course in general. 20

Macgregor Bldg Adam Smith 21

Qualitative Research Methods Dr Jo Ferrie & colleagues –Familiarisation with applied research methods –Introduction to qualitative research methods –Ethics of research practice –Themes include: interview techniques, participant observation, questionnaire design, etc. Classes start: Tuesday 23rd 1730, ADAM SMITH BUILDING:1115 Tutorials the week after (you will be assigned groups) 22

Introduction to Social Theory for Researchers Semester 2 Dr Jo Ferrie & colleagues –Exploration of founding figures of social science –Examination of key theoretical and methodological questions (19/20 th Centuries) –Emphasis on original texts –Reflection on the sociological underpinnings of scientific knowledge 23

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods Semester 2 Dr Jo Ferrie Greater depth than Qual Methods More focussed on ‘in the field’ research 24

Core Courses and Options - Outlines See outlines in the Graduate School Handbook Note that some of the options will be compulsory for certain Masters degrees You should contact your Course Co-ordinator for details All courses have a minimum/maximum number of students designated for them You should choose your options asap and inform the course co-ordinator and your subject secretary List of options varies from year to year – especially important for part-time students 25

Dissertation Towards the end of the Graduate School Handbook... Every candidate for MRes/MSc is required to present a dissertation for examination Original piece of work of some substance in which a problem/hypothesis/question of importance to the author is subjected to analysis and elucidation by an explicit method/methods 26

Dissertation and Ethical Approval All research involving human participants/human data or material should have ethical approval This can be lengthy and requires planning well in advance of your intended research period Dissertation supervisor Draft presented to the supervisor for comment – requires careful planning More information - Friday 27

Course evaluation & Staff/student consultation Via student questionnaires (also online) Informal comments/suggestions External examiners course reports Staff/student consultation –Student reps from the RTP –Student reps to be elected at the beginning of the academic year (volunteers welcome) –Staff/student committee meets at specific times during the year 28

Here to support you The University is proud of the research excellence achieved by colleagues and students, and values your vibrant and talented contributions. Good opportunity to direct you to some key policies: Parental leave policy Equality & Diversity for students Dignity at work and study ork/ ork/ Maternity leave policy Athena Swan

Absence/extensions Documentary evidence is required for any significant absence and extension request Extension forms – via website 30