Social Science Summer Schools

JanineB

Hi there, I am 4 weeks away from completing my undergraduate degree in Social Sciences (majoring in Sociology) and have applied to go onto do a masters degree in Social Research which commences in September.

I have been looking for ways to increase my experience in research (both before I start my masters and during it). I know about volunteer research work etc, but I came across these summer schools (lasting for 2 or 3 weeks) the other day and wondered if anyone thinks they are a good idea:

London School of Economics (3 weeks) - http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/summerSchools/summerSchool/courses/Survey%20Methods.aspx

University of Essex (2 weeks) - http://www.essex.ac.uk/summerschool/about/main.html

These are not the same idea as summer schools that someone might go to prior to university if they need to top up their school grades, they seem to be for current students, graduates or professionals working in the sector. Hence my view that they may be incredibly useful (and look good on the old CV).

However they are very expensive. Course fees are £1175 for LSE and £1250 for Essex for the 3 or 2 week course respectivly (that's not including travel there and back from Glasgow, accomodation in halls, food and general living expenses whilst there).

SO has anyone ever been on one of these? Are they worth the effort (and expense)?

Any thoughts / opinions appreciated.

Many Thanks!!

Janine

JanineB

Far from it. "The course is aimed at graduate students, early career academic researchers, researchers in the public and private sector, and managers/commissioners of research in the public, private and third sectors."

See paragraph 2

The_One_Who

From what I read, it sounds very much like what you cover in a research preparation Master. If you have already applied for a research methods masters and planning on doing it next year it seems a bit pointless to pay for the same thing twice.

JanineB

The masters course I've applied for takes 1 year FT or 2 years PT, the above are only 2 or 3 weeks. I don't think therefore it'll be the same. I'm thinking, will it not help to brush up my skills from my undergrad before starting my masters?

I did all my research stuff in 3rd year which was in 2006 (I left for a few years before coming back to do my honours) and can't remember ANY of it.

Thanks for the replies so far

The_One_Who

I've only read the blurb, but it just appeared to me to be a condensed version of what you have applied for. Things like how best to construct and carry out research can be found for free in books. Really I think the best way to consolidate this type of knowledge is in practice, since methods are never simple.

It's probably just me, but I think that it will be incredibly expensive for what it is, especially considering the travel, accommodation and living costs involved.

JanineB

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. I do have after all, 4-5 months before starting the course in which I can try to revise.

Thanks for your help.

Oldernotwiser

JanineB wrote: »

Far from it. "The course is aimed at graduate students, early career academic researchers, researchers in the public and private sector, and managers/commissioners of research in the public, private and third sectors."

See paragraph 2

Sorry,posted in too much of a hurry!