Course Structure

The programme is designed to provide a fundamental grounding in both quantitative and qualitative research skills, along with the opportunity to specialise in new methods and in practical applications of research techniques.

The Postgraduate Diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete taught modules amounting to 120 CATS.

The modules are delivered via a mixture of traditional lecture, seminar, workshop and computer lab class. Students are expected to undertake a substantial amount of independent study at this level.

Teaching Times

The programme is usually delivered in evenings and full day/half day sessions, including weekends.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Learning and Teaching Methods

The modules are delivered via a mixture of traditional lecture, seminar, workshops and computer lab class. Some lectures may involve online teaching. Students are expected to undertake independent study.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• An overall mark of 50% is required to pass each module. PG Diploma students must obtain 120 credits at Master's level.
  
  Modules have a broad range of methods of assessment, from traditional essay through to short research reports involving original analysis of data. Some modules also offer not only summative assessment but also the valuable opportunity for formative assessment, i.e., for feedback on their work which does not contribute towards the final module mark, but which will enable the student to better perform in their final assessment.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

Modules

Career Prospects

Introduction

Research skills are highly transferable and marketable, and valued across a range of sectors – academic, government, charities and business. PGDip students receive excellent advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative research skills as well as gain experience of independent project management through the dissertation. Graduates can use their qualification to develop a career in any aspect of social research.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Employment after the Course

Many students undertake the PG Diploma while already in employment. The PG Diploma allows students to successfully further their career in social research.

Employment Links

Social science research skills are useful in a range of sectors - academia, government, charities and business.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£4,867
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£4,867
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£6,167
EU Other 3	£14,333
International	£14,333

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus