The Department of Sociolgy Department of Sociology
at Manchester Metropolitan University was awarded
£1.15 million to establish a Q-Step Centre of Excellence in Undergraduate Quantitative Methods.

Out of 48 universities that applied for funding to establish a Q-Step Centre, only 15 universities across
the UK were successful. In recognition of our commitment to pedagogic innovation and excellence
in quantitative research methods, Manchester Metropolitan University was the only post-92 university
to be awarded the Q-Step status.

What is Q-Step?

The key objective of the Q-Step programme and the work of its Centres is to make a step-change in quantitative social science training and to equip social science graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills needed for the contemporary economic and social climate we live in. It has been well documented that quantitative research skills are in short supply but in high demand; the Q-Step programme seeks to address this problem.

What we’re doing

Here at Manchester Metropolitan University, our Q-Step Centre has a comprehensive programme of change and innovation in the way we teach and embed quantitative training, which includes:

• A new ‘with Quantitative Methods’ undergraduate degree pathway
• New MSc in Applied Quantitative Research
• Quantitative Methods to be embedded into half of all substantive courses
• Maths diagnostic assessment on entry and provision of numeracy support workshops to support students
• Pop-up data labs and coaching from senior students
• Data Boot camps for dissertation support
• Research placements in organisations within Greater Manchester
• Two-week taster of QM Masters work for final year undergraduates
• Postgraduate bursaries
• Outreach to sociology A level students through ‘exploring the evidence days’.