Are you starting a social research project?

Would you like to know more about finding and using data for social research?

Whether looking for data for a research project, or wondering how to get started with data, this online course is a guide for postgraduate research students.

From the course, you can learn about:

  • the main types and sources of data for social research.
  • practical information and tools to help you find suitable data for a project.
  • how to treat data ethically and maintain research integrity.
  • how to approach, get started, and manage your data analysis.

What does the course include?

The online course includes four modules. Each module contains lessons on key topics with videos, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. Complete all modules and receive a certificate of completion.

The course has been designed for postgraduate students by the UK Data Service in collaboration with the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP), Midlands Graduate School and the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS).

How to access?

The course is open to social science research students in all years of study across WRDTP partner universities including Sheffield Hallam.

Hosted on Moodle, you can access the online modules in your own time, dipping in and out as needed. Click this link for self-enrollment to the course.

You will need to register/log-in with OpenEssex (Moodle).

  • You can use single sign-on to register using your university credentials (no new password to remember).
  • In OpenEssex, you will need to provide your name and email.
  • If using single sign-on, enter your university email as otherwise you will need to authorise a change of email.
  • Note that the name on the completion certificate will be the name you write here.

Enroll on the course

  • If not directed automatically, re-click the link to the course.
  • Enter the following enrolment key: UKDSDTP

Any problems contact ukdstraining@manchester.ac.uk for help (to ensure we spot your email quickly, include DTP in the subject).

Could you be a student consultant?

We would like to recruit student consultants to provide feedback on these pilot materials. As a student consultant,

  • you will receive invitations to focus groups and other activities where you can share your thoughts and ideas around postgraduate training.
  • any activities will be voluntary – you choose whether you want to participate in any of the tasks.
  • you will receive Amazon or shopping vouchers as a thank you for your time.

Just sign up as a student consultant when you register with the course.

Your data 

OpenEssex collects personal information you give on registration and on your interactions with the course materials. To evaluate the course, the UK Data Service, will access and analyse anonymised data on usage. We may also process, and may pass on, to your Doctoral Training Partnership: your name and the modules accessed and completed. No information will be used to assess individual participation or performance.