Our Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Research Methods aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences. You will be provided with a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You will also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated. The course pathways have ESRC recognition and they each provide the appropriate training basis for proceeding to a PhD. These programmes provide extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of substantive areas of interest at postgraduate level. The Management and Business Studies pathway This pathway is suitable for two groups of people: Those people, especially business practitioners, who want to develop their understanding of and skills in applied research work. Those planning to undertake a PhD on a topic pertaining to management disciplines such as human resource management, organisational behaviour, strategic management, public sector management, marketing, accounting, finance, logistics and operations management. Research training in Management and Business Studies builds on the internationally recognised research carried out by academic staff within Cardiff Business School. You will benefit from specialist expertise in management research as well as from the broad research profile of the School and links with wider Cardiff University research. Sub-pathways within Management and Business Studies are: Banking, Accounting and Finance Logistics and Operations Management Human Resource Management Marketing and Strategy. Distinctive features You will be supervised by academic staff with considerable expertise in their chosen fields. These staff members are actively involved in disseminating research via publications in academic and practitioner journals, books and presentations to conferences. Many staff members are involved in editing or reviewing for scholarly management journals.