Master of Science in Social Science Research Methods (Politics)

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

We live and work in a world characterised by rapid technological and societal change on a global scale. To be effective in business and management in a multinational environment requires an understanding of the cultural, linguistic, economic, political and social contexts in which organisations operate, both within and across national borders.

BA International Business Management and German will help you develop the intellectual, analytical, critical and employability skills you will need to succeed as a manager or leader in many careers across different sectors. A knowledge of German, the second most important language for European business besides English, will allow you direct access to the cultural production, political debates and economic data from German-speaking countries.

Your first year will introduce basic concepts and tools – both qualitative and quantitative – for the study of management. Alongside this, you will develop your proficiency in German from a beginner's level or post A-level and gain a grounding in key aspects in the history and development of German-speaking communities. 

In years two and four, through a combination of core and optional units, you will develop your understanding of international business management and gain some specialisation in an area of interest. At the same time you will combine advanced study of German with optional units in the history, culture and politics of German-speaking countries.

You will spend your third year abroad, which will enable you to refine your language skills and cultural knowledge and gain valuable work experience. For further details of year abroad opportunities visit Global Opportunities.

In the final year you will also undertake a capstone individual research project in which you can combine your linguistic, cultural and management competencies in exploring a case study of interest to you, leading to the development of a business plan.

Our BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures degree offer an unmatched opportunity to study international cultural production in depth and breadth. You will study global literatures and cultures in comparative frameworks that draw on methodologies from textual, cultural and visual studies, as well as from translation, philosophy, history, social science and critical theory. Texts will be read in English translation.

Core units in years one and two currently include What is Comparative Literature and How Do We Practise It?; Introduction to Visual Cultures; Popular Representation and Institutions of Culture; Migrations of Culture. Additionally, you will have a wide choice of optional units based in the culture of a single language or a combination of cultures.

Your third year is spent in a German-speaking country, where you will undertake university study, a British Council assistantship or a work placement. You will follow a programme of study in German, developing linguistic skills enabling you to communicate easily in writing and orally. For more information about the year abroad visit Global Opportunities.

In year four you will complete an innovative supervised independent project, consisting of an extended essay on a topic of your choice and a public-facing element presented to the entire cohort (e.g. prospectus, interview, museum catalogue entries, newspaper article).

You will be taught by experts in the field and teaching is informed by staff research interests. Teaching is delivered in varied ways, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision. You will participate in small-group teaching and may be asked to give introductory talks to initiate discussion.

This programme encourages attributes highly valued by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and self confidence in communication, an aptitude for collaborative work and creativity. It will instil habits of curiosity, openness, rigour, self-reflection and evidence-based thinking, preparing you for careers in a variety of sectors.

This joint honours degree combines a full course in music with the study of French language, literature and culture.

Music offers a broad range of units in musicology, composition and performance across diverse styles and genres. These are complemented by weekly concerts, regular masterclasses and performances in the department and opportunities to get involved in the dynamic music scene in the city of Bristol. The department is exceptionally friendly and welcoming and staff run ensembles and perform with students.

French is the first language of some 90 million speakers around the world. Francophone countries offer diverse and stimulating cultures for study and the importance of French in European business and diplomacy makes knowledge of the language and associated culture both necessary and rewarding. 

You will spend your third year abroad in a French-speaking environment, which will enable you to refine your language skills and cultural knowledge.

Both departments encourage strong synergy between research and teaching, as well as stimulating performance opportunities in music, resulting in a vibrant learning environment for students as staff respond in their teaching to new research. Our courses offer an enriching experience with exciting intellectual challenges.

Social policy provides an exciting opportunity to critically analyse contemporary social issues related to human wellbeing, inequality, disadvantage and crime. This course takes an international and comparative perspective in many units, ensuring social policy is considered in its global context.

The first year introduces key concepts and ideologies and familiarises you with theoretical, comparative and historical analyses. It also develops your research skills as a social scientist. Year two develops conceptual frameworks further and deepens your understanding of research methods.

After the first year you can explore your interests in greater depth through a range of optional units focusing on contemporary political and social issues.

At the end of year two you will have the opportunity to study overseas at one of our partner institutions. You will be able to take units related to social policy or units from the broader social sciences, arts and humanities. Visit Global Opportunities to find out more about where you can study abroad.

This joint honours degree allows you to study two complementary disciplines, both of which ask you to think carefully about texts in their broader cultural and historical contexts. This course combines the broad historical knowledge and well-developed research skills gained in a history degree with the in-depth cultural awareness and advanced linguistic skills that come from studying modern languages.

You will join two leading departments with expert researchers in a great diversity of fields and will be encouraged to develop expertise and research skills relevant to both disciplines while also considering the relationships between them.

You will spend your third year abroad, where you will have the opportunity to explore these intersections in the distinct cultural and social context of your host country while studying or working. Those who choose to study at a university will be urged to select history-based options while those who opt for work placements will be encouraged to seek placements in the heritage sector. Visit Global Opportunities to find out more.