Course description
The programme aims to offer a unique comprehensive training in social network analysis (SNA) covering theoretical foundations, research design, data collection techniques, methods for the analysis and visualization of network data, and statistical modelling of networks. At the end of the programme the students will be able to:
- Design research projects using SNA in a variety of applicative areas.
- Critically engage with the theoretical foundations of SNA and use them to formulate robust and coherent SNA empirical questions.
- Collect social network data in online and offline contexts, selecting the right data collection tools and assessing the validity and reliability of the data collection.
- Apply a wide range of analytical techniques to social network data.
- Statistically model the mechanisms for social network formation and evolution.
- Develop network studies and intervention that can be used in private and public sectors.
- Write social network analysis academic reports
Aims
- Meet the increasing national and international demand of social network analysis (SNA) in academic social research as well as commercial environment including market research, crime analysis and public health.
- Contribute to the national and international need for theoretically informed and methodologically skilled researchers in SNA.
- Train in the necessary skills to understand and contribute to future developments in social network research.
- Provide advanced, systematic and critical knowledge of theoretical and methodological aspects of SNA in a vibrant and internationally leading research environment.
- Offer a unique set of skills in data visualization and modelling techniques that are highly valuable in commercial and public sectors, with understanding of the implications for markets and policy.
- Prepare students for PhD level research careers in academic life or as professionals in government, public and private sectors.
Teaching and learning
- Face-to-face lectures
- Workshops
- Computer-assisted tutorials
- Student-led presentations and debate
- Independent study
- Seminars
Coursework and assessment
A student's year is divided into two study periods: October - December and February - April.
During each of these periods, students sit 60 credits.
Assessments are due after the teaching period, and the Dissertation component is due in September of the following year.
Assessment is normally by a 3,000-word assessed essay or a computer-based coursework for each unit, and a dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words.
Course unit details
You will take five compulsory units:
- SOCY60361 Social network analysis: concepts and measures
- SOCY60631 Theories of social relations, networks, and social structure
- SOCY60292 Doing research with social network data and visualizations
- SOST71032 Network modelling.
- CRIM70821 Data Analysis with R & RStudio.
You will also take 3 optional modules. Optional modules will give students the possibility of continuing the specialization in SNA (Mitchell centre seminar series, independent study), or extending the interdisciplinary training to other social sciences substantive areas. You will be able to choose from the wider list of modules offered in the MA sociology, Msc social research, and Msc social research methods and statistics. Choices from other SoSS master modules will be available upon discussion with the Programme director.
Examples of optional modules are:
- SOCY60360 Mitchell Centre seminar series
- SOST70151 Statistical Foundations
- SOCY60142 Protest and Progress: Understanding Movements for Social and Political Change
- QRM, Qualitative research methods venue
You may also negotiate an independent studies course unit, linked to your particular research interests, subject to a suitable academic supervisor being available. If you have registered for the MA (or upgraded from the PG Diploma), you will need to complete a 12,000-word dissertation, on a social network research topic of your choice, in addition to the eight taught course units.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis with R & RStudio | CRIM70821 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Doing research with social network data and visualizations | SOCY60292 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Social network analysis: concepts and measures | SOCY60361 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Theories of social relations, networks, and social structure | SOCY60631 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Statistical Models for Social Networks | SOST71032 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Protest and Progress: Understanding Movements for Social and Political Change | SOCY60142 | 15 | Optional |
| Mitchell Centre seminar series | SOCY60360 | 15 | Optional |
| Independent Studies I | SOCY60531 | 15 | Optional |
| Independent Studies II | SOCY60592 | 15 | Optional |
| Statistical Foundations | SOST70151 | 15 | Optional |