Pathway available at Bath, Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth
The Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) pathway is designed to foster research that pushes the boundaries of quantitative methodologies in the social sciences. AQM is fundamentally about methodological innovation and application. It aims to support research that either advances existing quantitative methods or applies cutting-edge techniques to social science topics. The focus is on the development of ‘portable’ methods—those that can be applied across various data sets and disciplinary domains.
The pathway aims to promote research that employs sophisticated statistical, mathematical, econometric, and computational modelling techniques. This includes, but is not limited to, process modelling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Topics of interest are not confined to specific data sets or types but should demonstrate the potential for broader utility across the social sciences. For instance, a project that develops a new computational model to analyse social inequality would be a fitting example.
Routine or standard applications of quantitative methods are not the focus here; the pathway seeks to support research that is genuinely advanced for its disciplinary context. Researchers aiming for AQM must apply through one of the partner universities—Bath, Bristol, Exeter, or Plymouth—and demonstrate a commitment to pushing the envelope in quantitative social science research.