Kent is one of 15 universities in the UK selected to receive a share of £19.5 million to help ensure social science graduates have the skills to create, interpret and critique statistics about the social world.
The programme will make use of a number of innovations in undergraduate teaching, including the use of new technology and placements, as well as developing new links with local schools and FE colleges.
The University was selected from 48 institutions that applied to receive the funding, which is being provided by the Nuffield Foundation, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The 15 successful universities will form a network of Q-Step Centres, which will collaborate to create a step-change in social science undergraduate education.
The programme will be co-ordinated by the University’s School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR) and also involve the institution’s School of Politics and International Relations, Kent Law School and Kent Business School.
Professor Sarah Vickerstaff, Head of SSPSSR, said: ‘This prestigious funding is recognition of Kent’s place at the forefront of social science higher education.
‘We will be able to equip our students with the skills needed to make an immediate impact when they graduate. Hosting the Q-Step Centre will ensure they have the necessary quantitative skills demanded by many employers.
‘We are also looking forward to playing an active role in the new Q-Step Centres national network, which will enable us all to share best practice.’
All undergraduates at Kent studying on selected social science programmes will now follow one of three new pathways which include quantitative methods modules linked to specific parts of the syllabus.
David Willets, Universities and Science Minister, said: ‘Evaluating and analysing data is an essential part of science education and we need more people with these important skills. Q-Step will deliver an exciting programme, increasing the number of skilled graduates in quantitative social science. By sharing expertise and resources across the education sector, this programme is a step in the right direction to give students the skills they need and help employers build long lasting relationships with universities.’
Kent’s Q-Step Centre will be co-ordinated by Dr Ben Baumberg and Trude Sundberg of SSPSSR. The University will receive £1.1 million as its share of the national provision.
More information about the Q-Step funding award and the Nuffield Foundation can be found here.
Contact: M.J.Herrema@kent.ac.uk