What our students say

Karen

"My academic background is in Linguistics and English literature. The move to study the MRes in Applied Social Statistics at Lancaster was to help me to prepare for a PhD involving quantitative research into second language acquisition and development. Indeed, this Masters has provided an invaluable grounding in a range of methodologies that I can apply in my research. Coming from a non-mathematical background, I was given support throughout the programme from a number of friendly and helpful staff members. From my perspective, the major benefit of this course is that it has given me the confidence to use both software and methods that would have been beyond my reach had I started my PhD without it."

Stuart

"With a background in genetics, medical ethics and health services research, I undertook an ESRC 1+3 studentship at Lancaster with the aim of developing my research abilities. Specifically I was funded to develop skills in quantitative methods that could then be implemented in social science research. Having completed the MRes in Applied Social Statistics I am now applying the advanced techniques in my PhD research, using structural equation modelling to investigate parental decision-making for newborn bloodspot screening. The MRes gave me a great grounding not only in the application of statistical techniques but also in issues of statistical interpretation, as well as tuition in a range of software. Whilst I arrived from a non-mathematical background I have found that the courses and support provided by the department were both accessible and substantial, enabling me to develop the necessary skills for conducting social science research using advanced quantitative methods."