Socio-cultural studies attracts people with social science backgrounds who wish to work on interdisciplinary topics, and also those from an arts or humanities background who want to gain skills and experience in social research. The MSc by Research in Socio-Cultural Studies may be taken as a stand-alone, one-year course or as a stepping stone to the PhD. It offers training in a range of qualitative methods. Indicative courses include: Documents of Life; Research Design; Data Analysis; Sources & Approaches for Historical Research; Research Methods in Literatures, Languages & Cultures; Research Design in Geography; Explanation & Understanding in Social & Political Research; Contemporary Social Theory; Ethical & Political Issues in Social & Political Research. The dissertation element of the degree can take the form of either a small piece of independent research or a detailed proposal for a PhD.