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Course syllabus - Study design

Scope

15.0 credits

Course code

SKA319

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Political Science

Organisation

Department of Social Sciences and Humanities

Ratified

2025-12-18

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

This course promotes a deepened understanding of questions related to social science research design.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, student should have:

Knowledge and understanding:

  1. in-depth knowledge of social science research design
  2. in-depth understanding of key social science methodological concepts and epistemological perspectives

    Skills and abilities:
  3. ability to critically reflect on the application of social science theories, concepts and methods
  4. ability to independently carry out and reflect upon the selection of empirical sources and the choice of methods for data collection and analysis.
  5. ability to independently formulate research problems and develop relevant analytical tools.
  6. ability to present and critically discuss their own and others’ work, both orally and in writing.

    Judgement and approach:

  7. ability to identify and discuss research ethical considerations and normative dimensions of social science research.
  8. ability to assess and critically scrutinize one’s own and others work from the vantagepoint of central methodological concepts and epistemological perspectives within social science.

Course content

The course promotes a deepened understanding of questions related to social science research design.

Through the course, students develop their research skills, enabling them to formulate relevant and feasible research problems, constructing suitable theoretical and conceptual approaches, and identifying appropriate and feasible methodological procedures for data collection and data analysis.

The course also addresses research ethical considerations and normative dimensions of social science research.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of political science or an equivalent academic field. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

SEM1, Seminar, 2,5 credit, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome: 1-3 and 6-8.

INL1, Written assignment, 12,5 credit, grade: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Failed (U). Learning outcome: 1-6.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Three-grade scale