MSc in Social and Spatial Inequalities
We have a small number dedicated bursaries available for this course, offering fee-free places to students from the UK and other EU countries The MSc in Social and Spatial Inequalities is a new course based around, and inspired by, the work of the department's internationally-recognised SASI research group. The group conduct interdisciplinary research which contributes to an evidence base for policy development aimed at reducing social inequalities. The course will break new ground as it is unique within the UK in studying inequality from both social and spatial perspectives. People in the UK are on average better off than ever before across every absolute measure of social and economic development, however the benefits of these developments are far from equally spread. British society is far from unique in terms of letting down sections of society while others continue to prosper, rising income and educational standards disproportionately benefit those who are already well off, unemployment rates are much greater for those who were brought up in disadvantage. A significant minority of people continue to suffer from a lack of material resources and the inequality in the health of the population widens. Through the study of social and spatial inequalities we seek to interpret and understand the results of these accidents of birth, in which fortune, may it be good or bad, has deemed which people will gain advantage, or suffer hardship based on where they grow up. The MSc in Social and Spatial Inequalities is built around the group's strength in quantitative analysis of social phenomena, and the mapping and visualisation of social data. The course will offer a variety of modules each of which will tackle a different theme or issues within social and spatial inequality, such as: Poverty and Deprivation, Global Inequality, Health Inequalities, Happiness and Wellbeing, Mapping and Visualising Inequalities, Political Geography, and Social Area Classification. The programme explores social inequality with a specific focus on geography, and the importance of geographic space in recognising and understanding social patterns and social change. The course has an emphasis on giving students an awareness of the many social and economic issues relating to inequality. These issues are fundamental for anyone wishing to pursue a career in social research or social policy. The programme aims to enthuse graduates from a range of social science disciplines, in understanding, and interpreting the geographic patterns of social inequality, using a range of techniques, primarily driven by data and visualisation. The course will draw upon examples from around the world linking the study of place and geographic process with theories of social inequality and social exclusion. Students enrolled on the programme will develop skills in scientifically analysing and interpreting these phenomena. The course is geared towards providing training for future researchers in all sectors of social science, as we believe that understanding the processes and patterns which cause social inequality, and developing and understanding of their consequences, is and will continue to be one of the major issues of the 21st Century. A Geography degree from the University of Sheffield opens the door to a remarkably rich and varied range of career options. This reflects the strength of the Department and the high standing its graduates have with prospective employers. Recent Geography graduates have been very successful in securing high-level employment in both the private and public sectors. Many use their specialist subject skills and interests to pursue careers in, for example, policy, urban regeneration, and local economic development. Others pursue management-level public service careers in the Civil Service, health, housing, planning etc. The MSc in Social and Spatial Inequalities provides training in the development of ideas and skills, opening the door for students on the course to a wide range of career opportunities, including the possibility of joining the group and researching towards a PhD. Employers are always looking to recruit students with just the kind of skills which are developed throughout the programme, and the department has good links with employers across the city, region and country. As well as learning specific skills the enthusiastic and well-motivated students on the programme will develop: problem-solving ability, information handling, global awareness, self-management, statistical, IT, written and communication skills. The MSc in Social and Spatial Inequalities is open to students on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students are registered for one full year (ie October - September). Part-time students complete their studies over two years. Part-time students complete their studies over two years. Other pathways are open, leading to Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate qualifications, as outlined below. Course structure Each student will take: GEO6015 Poverty, Place and Inequality (15 credits)
This module is the main introductory core module for the MSc in Social and Spatial Inequalities. This module will introduce students to the key concepts within Social and Spatial Inequalities, covering themes such as social policy, segregation, economic and educational inequalities which can lead to the creation of poverty, deprivation and inequality. The module will particularly focus on how these phenomena vary spatially. GEO6016 Data, Visualisation and GIS (15 credits)
This module will show students how to deal with spatial data which they will need to use to both identify and understand patterns of social and spatial inequalities. The module will cover the major sources of data used to study inequalities and the variety of ways in which they can be displayed to aid both understanding and analysis. SCS6003 Quantitative Research Methods (15 credits)
This unit guides students through the collection and analysis of quantitative data and includes questionnaire design, descriptive statistics, sampling, correlation and regression. This unit will encourage an understanding of, and an ability to apply, a range of techniques for the understanding of the use of existing data sets and the production of new data sets. Students will engage in the design and use of a questionnaire and the subsequent analysis of the data collected. GEO6005 Quantitative Research Methods in Human Geography (15 credits)
This module critically examines the implementation and practice of quantitative research methodologies. It complements the 'techniques' orientated content of SCS6003 Quantitative Methods, by exploring key questions that relate to the selection, purpose and limitations of quantitative research methodologies. Emphasis is placed on, but not limited to, how geographers have put various research methodologies into practice, and how methodologies play an active part in the shaping of research outcomes. GEO6006 Research Proposal (15 credits)
This module is designed to develop a research proposal capable of providing the basis for a masters level dissertation. It highlights the importance of locating research in an academic field, allows graduate students to enhance their understanding of specialist literatures and gives training in the preparation of higher level research proposals. GEO6420 Dissertation (60 credits)
This unit aims to enable students to develop their research, methodological and writing skills by independently designing and conducting a theoretically informed empirical research project. This will involve bibliographic searches, the use of qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques, handling and analysing qualitative or statistical data and writing up the findings. Students can choose 45 optional credits from the following: GEO6017 Urban Inequality (15 credits)
This module looks at inequality within an urban setting. Both how inequality manifests itself within a city, and how it is covered up and how it is often ignored. The module will cover such issues as: housing, education, crime and access to services. Examples will be used from both the developed and developing world. GEO6018 Health Inequalities (15 credits)
This module will explore both the theoretical and practical concepts of inequalities in health in the context of social and spatial inequalities. This will include explanations of inequalities, methods of measurement and their interpretation, ideology and evidence for policy formulation at both international and national levels. GEO6019 Global Inequality (15 credits)
This module has a global focus. It looks at inequality between the countries and regions of the world. Issues discussed will include the differences in life chances depending on which country you are born, changing patterns of global inequality. What is being done to reduce global inequality and which nations are preventing the vast majority of the world's population enjoying a decent standard of living. GEO6011 Politics, Place and Governance: New Agendas (15 credits)
This module aims to examine new debates in political geography and politics, to provide experience of the academic analysis of political processes, and to develop knowledge of the role of geographical context in political action. It will consider three inter-related areas: state, economy and governance; parties, anti-parties and political action; and citizenship, mobilisation and social capital. A further 15 credits can be taken from other approved social science modules. such as, further skills modules, modules from other Human geography Programmes or other Social Science departments such as Politics or Sociological Studies.
Students enrolled in the Diploma in Social and Spatial Inequalities course take 120 credits (excluding GEO6420). The Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Spatial Inequalities is made up of 60 credits taken from modules excluding GEO6420. Students wishing to take these courses in a flexible way are encouraged to contact the course convenor.
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