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Accessibility statement
Social research lies at the heart of understanding our complex world. Through this module, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills and tools needed to undertake an independent dissertation investigating a sociological issue of your choice. Working with secondary qualitative and quantitative data, as well as primary qualitative data such as documents and media content, you’ll explore the different meanings, issues and settings of sociological research. Grounded in application, methodology and ethics, the module will build on your previous studies to help you produce a coherent, analytical, ethically aware and methodologically sound dissertation.
The module is divided into the following five blocks:
Block 1: Getting started with sociological research
You’ll begin by exploring the core principles, ethics, and politics of sociological research, focusing on social differences, power structures, and institutions. You’ll refine research themes, select designs, and consider limitations while addressing ethical issues like informed consent and data sensitivity. By the end of this block, you’ll have a solid foundation to develop your research question.
Block 2: Planning sociological research
The focus of this block will be on literature reviews, research dissemination, and structuring your research. You’ll learn to search, evaluate, and organise academic sources using bibliographic tools while practising concept mapping and note-taking. Additionally, you’ll explore research communication, defining your audience and objectives, and using tools like social media and presentations. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy for reviewing literature and presenting findings.
Block 3: Empirical research methods
Block 3 covers selecting data sources, data collection, and analysis. You’ll explore qualitative and quantitative methods, including thematic, content, discourse, and numerical analysis. Choosing the right analytical approach is crucial in shaping what you can uncover from your data. This block will help you make informed methodological choices for your research.
Block 4: Writing your dissertation
In this block, you’ll focus on structuring and writing your dissertation. With guidance from novelist and writing coach Beth Miller, you’ll develop strategies for getting started, maintaining momentum, and completing your project. Beyond technical skills, you’ll explore sociological writing as an analytical and creative process. You’ll also submit a comprehensive dissertation plan feedback.
Block 5: Crossing the finish line
This final block recaps the key concepts from blocks 1–4 while guiding you through structuring your research, refining your argument, and incorporating feedback. You’ll develop editing skills and explore how your research could influence public opinion, policy, or activism.
The module concludes with seven weeks of independent study to consolidate your findings and complete your dissertation.
This is an OU level 3 module that builds on the skills acquired at OU levels 1 and 2. Before registering, you should have completed the relevant sociology modules at OU levels 1 and 2. It is strongly advised that you have completed Social research: crime, justice, and society (DD215).
To succeed, you should:
Before starting the module, it will be helpful to identify research areas that spark your sociological curiosity.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You will receive a printed module book and access to a module website, which includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying D328 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Principles of social research: sociology special project module starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2036.
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