Module Directory

Undergraduates in the Department of Sociology at Essex carry out a research project in the final year of their degree. This project allows you to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge that you have gained over the course of your undergraduate degree.

The project can take a variety of forms ranging from empirical research using methods such as participant observation, ethnographic research, qualitative interviews, content or discourse analysis, or secondary data analysis, such as the analysis of an existing quantitative or qualitative data set. Unlike other assignments, you will be conducting, analysing and writing-up a piece of original research.

The aim of this module is:

• To provide an opportunity for students to research and produce a substantial piece of original work. It is designed to draw together the knowledge that the student has acquired on the programme and will enable them to develop and demonstrate methodological, analytical, and writing skills.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Knowledge of key sociological research concepts and theories.


2. Knowledge of the principles of research design for your chosen empirical approach.


3. Knowledge of the epistemological, ethical, and political dimensions of sociological research.


4. An ability to develop a reasoned argument.


5. An ability to formulate sociological questions.


6. An ability to summarise, report, and evaluate arguments, texts and findings.


7. An ability to frame a research proposal and to identify and apply the appropriate research methods.


8. An ability to understand, summarise and critically assess sociological work.


9. An ability to produce independent work.


10. An ability to conduct and present a small-scale piece of sociological research.


11. An ability to present ideas and evidence to others in a clear and concise manner.


12. An ability to identify problems and propose solutions.


13. An ability to plan work, manage time, reflect on work, and respond constructively to the comments of others

The undergraduate sociology project is the equivalent of one full year module in your degree course. It runs in parallel with your other third year modules - although you should begin work on your project during the summer term following your second year.

While you will receive guidance from the project director and your supervisor, ultimately the success of your research will depend on the way in which you develop your ideas and plan and execute your project.

Indicative syllabus

• Final Year Project Introduction


• Ethics Workshop


• Writing the Literature Review


• Data Collection and Access Workshop


• Data Analysis Workshop (Quantitative)


• Structuring and Writing your Project

This module is part of the Q-Step pathway. Q-Step is an award which you can gain simply by enrolling on specific modules and will signal to employers your capability in quantitative research. Learn more about the Q-Step pathway and enhance your degree now.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour seminar each week.

Face-to-face attendance is expected.