Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Methods

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Methods in Humanities and Social Sciences is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 1 YEAR.

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Methods offered by the Stellenbosch Universty at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

This one-year, taught programme is aimed at students who wish to become social researchers as research specialists, social research consultants, development planners in local government research and planning units and national government departments, NGO employees involved in social research activities, policy analysts and advisers.

The programme entails eight block modules of one week each. It focuses on the methodology of social science research, aspects of science philosophy, research ethics and research management.

Programme Structure

This programme focuses on the methodology of social science research and on specific application and research skills. You complete a total of eight modules - two are compulsory and you select six from the available elective modules.

Programme Content

Compulsory Modules

13646 : Social Research and Social Epistemology 711(15)

10264 : Principles of Research Design in Social Science 713(15)

plus

 

Elective modules

Choose six of the following modules. The Department reserves the right not to offer all elective modules in a particular calendar year.

10265 : Survey Methodology 712(15)

10266 : Introduction to Social Statistics 713(15)

58874 : Capita Selecta 741(15)

10268 : Advanced Data Management and Data Analysis with SPSS* 713(15)

12578 : Case Study Methodology 741(15)

10271 : Qualitative Data Analysis 743(15)

10271 : Qualitative Data Analysis 744(15)

10269 : Ethnographic Research Methods 741(15)

10270 : Interviewing Methods 742(15)

10274 : Politics and Ethics of Social Research 743(15)

10267 : Programme Evaluation 714(15)

10267 : Programme Evaluation Design 715(15)

*SPSS=Statistical Package for the Social Sciences

 

Assessment and Examination

A system of flexible assessment is used. A final mark is calculated by means of flexible assessments of essays, tests, reading assignments, group and individual participation, and practical assignments for each module.