Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Recommended previous knowledge

The students must satisfy the admissions requirements for a PhD programme.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to
  • describe and explain the different research paradigms used in social science research, the process of conducting research, and how knowledge is transmitted and developed.
  • formulate a research question and design for a doctoral research project
  • apply the various research methods used in social science research: qualitative, quantitative, and proactive research
  • apply ethical standards in the dissertation work

Contents

The objective of the course is to develop knowledge and skills in the different facets of social science research. The relationship between research problem, design, and methods of analysis including ethical issues, are central elements. The course will also introduce the students to the academic publishing process, and the role as author and reviewer.
  • research paradigms and progress in social science
  • formulating a research question
  • conducting a literature review
  • research design
  • selecting methods in social sciences (qualitative and quantitative research methods, proactive research approaches, action and design research)
  • ethical issues in social science research
  • publishing in social sciences - the process up-close

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be a combination of lectures and seminars.

Examinations

The students will be evaluated based on a term paper (approximately 5000 words) developing a research design for their doctoral research project. The term paper will be graded as pass or fail, where pass is equivalent to a grade B or better.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
ME-631 – Researching Social Sciences: Philosophical and Methodological Foundations. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:29:37 AM