This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
Social Research Methods
Undergraduate
UNE-SPI345 2026Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Price from
- $2,459
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Social Research Methods
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- understand and articulate the core ideas behind social research and inquiry, and how these ideas shape the ways in which data is collected, analysed, and reported;
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of and articulate the advantages and disadvantages of different research strategies;
- analyse, interpret and evaluate academic and professional research;
- apply critical thinking in identifying discipline-specific research problems, appropriate methodology and methods; and
- apply autonomy, judgement and creativity in formulating a research project.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to research processes and strategies in the social sciences, and is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to formulate and evaluate various types of social research.
You will become familiar with core methods of research design, data collection and analysis. By exposing you to a wide range of research tools, the subject highlights the strengths and limitations of different methods of data collection and analysis.
At the completion of this subject, you will have the skills necessary to employ a variety of methods appropriate for social research within your discipline and chosen profession.
Assessment 1: Online Posts - 250 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 2-4;
Assessment 2: Written Task- 750 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-3;
Assessment 3: Essay - 1500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 4: Research Proposal - 2500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-5.- Assessment 1: Online Posts - 250 words. (5%)
- Assessment 2: Written Task- 750 words (15%)
- Assessment 3: Essay - 1500 words (30%)
- Assessment 4: Research Proposal - 2500 words (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 36
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- UNE-CRM-DEG-2026 - Bachelor of Criminology
Others
Candidature in Bachelor of Criminology.
Must have completed 12 credit points prior to enrolling in this subject.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
UNE-CRM-DEG