Principles of social research: sociology special project module
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.
What you will study
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 for 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.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 3 module that builds on the skills acquired at OU levels 1 and 2. Before registering, it is strongly recommended that you have completed the relevant sociology modules at OU levels 1 and 2, especially Social research: crime, justice, and society (DD215).
To succeed, you should:
be prepared to study sociological research methods and complete a substantial piece of independent academic writing (7,000 words)
be a competent computer user and proficient in internet research
have strong reading and writing skills in English.
Preparatory work
Before starting the module, it will be helpful to identify research areas that spark your sociological curiosity.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
What's included
You will receive a printed module book and access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
module materials
discussion forums
audio and video resources
assessment guide
online tutorials
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
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.
Future availability
Principles of social research: sociology special project module starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2036.