Researcher Development Initiative
Supported by a grant from the ESRC and in collaboration with the Graduate School, we were able to offer a new programme of advanced training in quantitative methods for the Social Sciences for Midlands-based HEIs. These Methods 'Clinics' offered:
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unique blend of intensive 2-day face-to-face training courses supported by an accompanying e-learning module including course materials and continued online support from course tutors.
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flexible, individualised programme - courses are available singly or as a programme of study.
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wide-ranging programme - topics include statistical reasoning; causal inference; data theory and measurement models; multivariate regression and segmentation analysis; handling missing data; modelling interdependent observations; computer-aided text analysis.
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multi-disciplinary scope - clinics typically attract participants from Politics, Social Sciences, Law, Business, Economics, Nursing, Psychology, Community Health, Geography and Education
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regional focus - the clinic cycle is designed to both develop individual quantitative skills and to establish a network of methods trainers in the Midlands, culminating in a conference on teaching methods in early 2010.
Programme
The programme 2010/11: The clinic programme will rerun under similar clinic headings. Although dates are not yet confirmed.
The clinics can be taken in two ways: either on a single 'one-off' basis, or researchers can take all the modules in a clinic cycle so that they can develop a broad 'repertoire' of quantitative skills. Round II will repeat the content covered in Round I and thus it should not be necessary to register for more than one clinic on each topic.
About you
The clinic programme is designed for academics who teach research methods, researchers with significant existing experience wishing to update or widen their methods repertoire, and early career researchers or research postgraduates who need training in particular advanced methods for their work. If you fall into at least one these categories and have a basic understanding of probability, estimation and hypothesis testing, then contact us for more information.
About us
The Methods and Data Institute at the University of Nottingham runs an established and prestigious annual programme of courses for staff and postgraduate students on topics related to empirical research in the Social Sciences. The University’s Graduate School is at the forefront of postgraduate skills training and is currently focusing on the development of e-learning courses and materials to support learning outcomes.
FAQs on availability, fees and fee-waivers
Availability
Each of the clinics has a limited number of places, which varies according to specific logistical requirements, but which will in general not exceed 30 participants. Places are available on a first-come first-served basis, but in order to promote adequate distribution across HEIs this will be applied within constraints outlined below (see fee waivers). For admission, priority will be given to academics and PhD students of Midlands-based HEIs, and to applicants who intend to take part in several clinics.
Fees
Our usual charge to UoN staff and PGRs is £120 per clinic, based on a fec in the region of £500. However, participants from local HEIs (members of academic staff and PhD students) can apply for full or partial fee waivers to facilitate their participation. Conditions are outlined below.
Fee waiver places
Full fee waivers : ESRC funding has enabled us to offer a limited number of full fee waivers to Midlands-based academics and postgraduate students. If awarded, no contribution to the costs of attending a clinic will apply. These full fee waivers will be granted on a first-come first-served basis to qualifying applicants, up to two full fee waivers per Midlands HEI, while any remaining places will be allocated as available irrespective of HEI.
Partial fee waivers: In addition to full fee-waivers, a limited number of partial fee waivers are available, which reduce the fee to £120 per person per clinic. PhD students should be aware that most HEIs have allocated funds for their participation in such training; they are advised to contact the Director of Postgraduate Research of their School/Institute/University.
Applications for a full or partial fee waiver can be made electronically by completing the online application form. The following conditions apply for qualifying for a full or partial fee waiver: being a member of academic staff or a registered PhD student at a Midlands-based ESRC-recognised HEI; sufficient basic training in social science research methods. Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate involvement in teaching/tutoring social research methods.
For further information please email the Methods and Data Institute . Any enquiries should be directed to Postgraduate Training .