Experiments in Social Science
Classes
Friday 02 May - Monday 14 July 2025, 6pm-7.30pm
10 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
On our Experiments in Social Science short course we introduce you to the use of experiments to research the social world. The course will equip you with the skills to critically engage with existing experimental research and to design your own experimental studies. You will also learn about the history of experimental methods, how to evaluate experimental studies and the ethical implications of experimental research.
We will cover:
- observational vs experimental research designs
- lab and lab-in-the-field experiments
- field experiments
- survey experiments
- audit and elite experiments
- natural experiments
- ethics in experimental research
- integrity in experimental research.
This postgraduate-level short course is ideal if you work in research and/or programme evaluation and are interested in developing social science research skills as part of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Assessment is via a 2000-word critical review essay (40%) and 3000-word experimental research design (60%).
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You must have an undergraduate degree, which may be in any discipline.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.