Q Step – Quantitative research

The Q-Step Centre was founded ten years ago, along with 14 others across the UK, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and Nuffield Foundation. Q Step is now a self-sustaining research centre dedicated to addressing the quantitative skills gap in social science students. Our work combines excellent teaching and impactful research.

We teach statistical literacy and develop students from various disciplines to become confident, competent data analysts – a key role in any sector. Our teaching model enables all students to gain confidence when working with data, regardless of their educational qualifications before coming to us.

Data skills can help in everyday life and create job opportunities in the private and public sectors, including:

• data analytics
• the police
• social care
• social policy
• research
• education
• probation
• the civil service, and many more

Among our study initiatives are:

• teaching data analysis to all students in the School of Sociology and Criminology. Each year, we teach approximately 1200 students between Level 3 and Level 7.
• giving students valuable real-world experience in research through our Q-Step in the Community programme. Placements are available at the university or with our local, public, private and third-sector partners. The host organisations benefit through more robust funding applications and evaluations.
• offering free online tutorials to promote statistical literacy — developed by students for students. We’ve also produced bespoke student guides for SAGE Research Methods.

Postgraduate students can take an MSc in Applied Quantitative Methods. The Q step centre also support PhD candidates in their research studies.

As lucky postgraduate STRIVERS, you will have the exclusive opportunity to undertake 6 Q step classes (including a round up class), to gain certification from Q Step and verify the quality of your quantitative research skills, through our Q Step certificate of completion.

This is an amazing opportunity to gain skills that will enhance your ability to complete your dissertations to the highest standard. It will be also be invaluable experience for those of you thinking about undertaking a doctorate and who may be seeking PhD opportunities after your postgraduate studies.

Muzammal Mann, Q Step Lecturer and PhD Researcher, will be delivering your Q Step sessions with her team.

40 postgraduate students will be selected to undertake the face to face classes. In doing so, you will be committed to taking part in the poster showcase competition on 25th February 2025. The posters will be viewed by the STRIVE community, as well as broader Manchester Met community and doctoral college who will be invited to come and view and vote for your poster!

The top three posters as voted by attendees to the poster showcase, will be awarded prizes at our STRIVE showcase event in March 2025.

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Your Q Step Handbook is here

STRIVE poster showcase – February 2025

All Q Steppers will be required to showcase their posters at the end of their Q Step programme to be eligible for their certification. STRIVERS, students and staff will be invited to come and view your posters, ask you questions about your research and vote for their favourite posters.

Our STRIVE Q-step poster showcase event is on 25th February 2025.

The top 3 favourite posters will each win vouchers as prizes!