Sociology & Research Methods

Student Testimonials

Anna-Kaisa Terje, 2010-11
I chose this Masters because I thought it would prepare me well to do the PhD in terms of basic skills; also that it would increase my chances of being accepted to do a PhD, and to get the funding to do that.

I came from Finland to Glasgow to do my first degree in another subject. I had visited Manchester and Birmingham Universities as well as Glasgow University. I liked the city itself and when I visited the University everyone was very friendly and showed me round. I had taken sociology as a third choice, but by the second year I discovered that this was really the subject for me.

When I came to take the Masters in Sociology I liked Social Theory the most. A lot of the basic social theory things I had almost forgotten: when you start specialising in subjects in Honours, it’s there but in the background. So I felt that I was learning new things; I discovered the subject all over again by going back to the basics.

I think that doing the Masters benefitted me when I applied for funding. It demonstrates that I have the skills to do research. It has refreshed my memory and deepened my knowledge of research methods. As well as the Social Theory, I got a lot from Advanced Qualitative Methods, which gave you a chance to actually practice research methods. For example, we learnt how to interview by practicing on each other, and how to complete an application for ethical acceptance of a research project.

I would also emphasise the attraction of Glasgow itself as a place. It’s a very vibrant city and there is a lot that you can do culturally. As someone coming from abroad, I’ve generally felt very welcomed by the people.

Poppy Kohner, 2009-10
The MRes in Sociology and Social Research Methods caters for students with a multitude of interests.  As well as the core courses, there is a selection of additional classes which I found extremely helpful.  This meant I could tailor my Masters to suit my interests and gave me a good foundation on which to embark on my PhD.  The core course of Current Issues in Social Theory was especially rewarding, providing a variety of topics, arguments and perspectives in which to develop a ‘sociological imagination’.

Joe Buckle, 2009-10
The MRes provided me with the ideal platform for postgraduate study and prepared me extremely well for PhD research. The course affords extensive training in research methods, along with an in-depth understanding of the different theoretical and analytical approaches in sociology. Current Issues in Social Theory provides an opportunity to explore key trends in contemporary social theory by engaging with the work of major sociologists and the many intellectual problems that are still debated today. Although challenging, the MRes programme was richly rewarding and was a major factor in helping me to secure a scholarship for PhD study.

Brendan McGeever, 2008-09
I thoroughly enjoyed my time during the M Res in Sociology and Research  Methods at the University of Glasgow. The course offers excellent training in the theory and application of research methods, and in this respect it makes for a great stepping stone towards further academic research. Indeed, after graduating from the M Res in Sociology and Research Methods, I then moved on to undertake a PhD here at Glasgow. In the PhD, I often find myself drawing upon the skills I gained from the research methods training I received in the Masters programme.

A real highlight of the course was the Current Issues in Social Theory class,  where we were given the opportunity to explore in-depth some of the key issues and problems in contemporary sociological theory.  Upon reflection, the combination of theoretical and methodological training, I  received on the MRes has proved to be invaluable in my PhD research.

Georgia Giannakopoulou, 2002-03 (followed by a successful Glasgow PhD thesis, 2003-06)
What first attracted me to the Sociology Department of Glasgow University was its excellent Masters program taught by important figures of contemporary Sociological and Social theory and the support, encouragement and help of the staff – the postgraduate coordinator, the secretaries and the lectures alike. The Masters program, including innovative and originally delivered courses such as the ‘current issues in sociology’ and sociological research methods provided the ideal intellectual environment and the scientific tools for my subsequent PhD research, for my current teaching and research activities and, above all, for the establishment of friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life.