Student Profiles

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Shireen Chilcott - MA Sociological Research Methods

Shireen Chilcott I came to Lancaster University to study for a Masters in Sociological Research Methods, since this ESRC recognised course would provide me with the necessary skills to undertake doctoral research. I was lucky enough to be awarded an ESRC studentship to fund my studies during the next four years. My specialist interest is gender inequalities in the workplace and Professor Sylvia Walby, who is world renowned for her work on gender, and is located at Lancaster University, will be my doctoral supervisor. Sociological Research Methods has been a challenging but extremely enjoyable experience. Probably my greatest achievement was mastering SPSS (the Statistical Package for Social Scientists). The module 'Research Methods in Practice'also provided me with the experience of undertaking empirical research with like minded colleagues and receiving invaluable feedback from my peers and the course convenor. The staff at Lancaster are friendly and easily accessible, and my advice to future students would be 'do not be afraid to ask'!

Ali Erkan, Manchester UK

The Sociology department at Lancaster should need no introduction; Lancaster is a world-renowned and genuinely world-class department (a fact that is perhaps emphasised by the numbers of overseas students studying here), with many members of the academic staff recognised internationally in their respective areas. But despite their status and unquestioned expertise, all members of the teaching staff at Lancaster, in my experience at least, are as affable and supportive as I have found the non-academic staff to be, which helps to ensure that postgraduate study at Lancaster is as enjoyable and beneficial as possible.

Joe Rigby - MA Sociological Research

I came to study a methodological MA at Lancaster to furnish me with the necessary skills to conduct doctoral research. I wasn't aware that I would be conducting a piece of empirical research in the first term. This approach escapes the restrictive confines of 'text book' methodology courses. Engaging simultaneously with the reality of how research actually gets done, as well as the more expected focus on why certain methodologies are deployed and for what ends. It is a genuinely communal process of learning with weekly sessions involving several groups reporting to each other on their research project's development. Lancaster Sociology is certainly an exciting department to be working in. This much can be discerned from a few minutes roaming the staff pages and departmental website. Inevitably the website cannot communicate the feeling of being part of the department, the openness of the staff (both academic and support) and the enthusiasm of the MA and PhD students. It is these aspects that make Lancaster Sociology what it is.

Kate McDonald - MA Environment, Culture and Society

I came to LancasterUniversity in 2004 for the Masters of Environment, Culture and Society program because it offered me everything I was lookingfor in an MA. I loved the program and thoroughly enjoyed the courses and research I undertook during my year there.Upon completion I returned toCanada where I currently work on energy and climate change policy research and analysis. I am now thinking about returning to the academic world to start a PhD or work with research projects which delve into the complexities of our current social issues.

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See also:

Shireen Chilcott - MA Sociological Research Methods

Ali Erkan, Manchester UK

Joe Rigby - MA Sociological Research

Kate McDonald - MA Environment, Culture and Society

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