Overview
Complexity social science represents an important new suite of methods that moves researchers beyond the traditional reliance on quantitative or qualitative approaches.
This course will introduce you to complex social systems and the challenges of complexity social science and policy research. You will learn about a range of methods to tackle these challenges, in particular focusing on methods to understand complex causality including qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and process tracing/Bayesian updating. You will encounter real-world case studies, within the research and policy processes.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the challenge of complexity in the social sciences and policy research (C, K, P and T)
- Be able to use QCA and process tracing/Bayesian updating as methods in social science research (K, C, P and T)
- Understand how QCA and process tracing/Bayesian updating help elicit causality in complex social systems (C and K)
- Confidently apply the methods to relevant case studies (P and T)
Attributes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| C | Cognitive/analytical |
| K | Subject knowledge |
| P | Professional/practical skills |
| T | Transferable skills |
Course content
- Introduction to complex social systems in social science and policy research
- Causality in complex systems
- Deep uncertainty and “wicked” problems
- QCA
- Process tracing
- Bayesian updating
- Narratives and evidence
- Social science and policy research
Reading list
Byrne, D. and Callaghan, G., 2013. Complexity theory and the social sciences: the state of the art. Routledge.
Rihoux, B. and Ragin, C.C., 2009. Configurational comparative methods: qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques. Sage Publishing.
Class size
Maximum of 20 people. Please note, 10 participants will be students from our MSc Social Research Methods course.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Fees and funding
Price per person:
£595
Government and commercial sector applicants£495
Education and charitable sector applicants£395
StudentsHow to apply
Applications for this course are currently closed.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the latest advice from the government relating to large gatherings, we have taken the decision to cancel future dates for this course, until further notice. Those who have registered for this course will be contacted directly regarding refunds. Please bear with us as this may take up to 14 working days to process. We apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.
Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillThis course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Email: daycourses@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH