WIREDGOV

Fifteen universities across the UK will receive £19.5 million to overhaul their social science teaching in an ambitious intervention to address the critical shortage of social scientists with the quantitative skills needed to evaluate evidence and analyse data.

The universities have all been selected to host ‘Q-Step’, a programme designed to promote a step-change in quantitative social science training, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). This is one of the largest partnerships in recent times – between a research council, a funding council and a private foundation – focused on undergraduate social science education in the UK.

The 15 universities, selected from a total of 48 who applied, will form a network of ‘Q-Step Centres’, delivering new undergraduate programmes in quantitative social science. These will include the development of new courses, production of new content for existing courses and experimenting with new ways of teaching, as well as work placements and pathways to postgraduate study. A total of 53 new full-time posts will be created in UK universities as a result of the programme.

The universities receiving Q-Step awards are: University of Bristol, Cardiff University, City University London, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, University of Kent, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Sheffield, University of St Andrews, University College London and University of Warwick.

Support programme

Although targeted at undergraduates, Q-Step aims to promote quantitative skills training across the education system, from recruitment of school students to specialist training for those going on to postgraduate work. Expertise and resources will be shared across the higher education sector through an accompanying support programme, which will also forge links with schools and employers.

Selection process and timetable

The awards have been made following an open competition, launched in October 2012. Due to the number and high standard of applications, an additional £4 million has been secured to fund more centres than originally planned, taking the total amount awarded from the £15.5 million originally budgeted to a new total of £19.5 million over five years.

Q-Step Centres will begin planning and rolling out their programme of activities in October 2013, with an immediate focus on recruiting the 53 new posts.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts 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.’

Sharon Witherspoon, Director of the Nuffield Foundation, said:

‘The number and high standard of applications for Q-Step funding demonstrates a shared recognition that the weakness of quantitative skills training in much social science matters – and shows there is a shared commitment to do something about it. With a network of 15 universities across the UK, as well as an emphasis on building links with schools and employers, we now hope to build the critical mass necessary to promote a real step-change in skills over the long term.’

Professor Paul Boyle, Chief Executive of the ESRC, said:

‘I am delighted that ESRC will be working in partnership with The Nuffield Foundation and HEFCE in funding the Q-Step Centres. ESRC is committed to enhancing quantitative methods skills for social scientists at all stages of their careers and we believe these centres will generate new cohorts of highly skilled students. I am confident that both universities and students will benefit in the long term from the funding and support given from today.’

Chris Milward, Associate Director of HEFCE, said:

‘We are pleased to support this step-change in activity, which will yield a new generation of social science graduates who are fit for the future. The centres will work closely with university outreach activities to stimulate early interest in quantitative skills. This approach builds on evidence from recent research and puts flesh on HEFCE's commitment to continue to address risks to subjects following the higher education reforms. We look forward to working with the Q-Step Centres and other institutions to extend the benefits widely across the sector.’

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