Below you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our undergraduate degrees in Quantitative Methods.

You can also find out more information on our Study webpages.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for on our website, please do not hesitate to contact the Warwick Q-Step team directly: Q-Step at warwick dot ac dot uk

• What is the balance between quantitative methods courses and substantive modules?
• Why should I study Quantitative Methods in addition to my substantive course? What added benefits are there?
• Does Quantitative Methods require more work than other programmes?
• Do I need to be really good at maths to do this?
• I have not done maths since GCSE, will I be able to follow this course?
• What difference will it make in my degree to have a placement?
• Where will I do my paid placement?
• What careers will be available for me after graduation?
• Can I still access MA degrees or jobs that are usually open to non-Quantitative Methods graduates if I take a degree with Quantitative Methods?

What is the balance between quantitative methods courses and substantive modules?

Quantitative methods core modules account for approximately 25% of each year, with the remainder of your modules usually taken from your substantive discipline or related areas.

Why should I study Quantitative Methods in addition to my substantive course? What added benefits are there?

Developing a deeper understanding of Quantitative Methods enables you to fully engage with the range of academic research that is being conducted, allowing you to ask important questions about the quality of the methods used and the importance of the findings. You will gain an important set of skills that will be invaluable in your future career enabling you to engage effectively with the growing amounts of data being collected about society. By completing a four week work placement you will also gain first hand experience of how quantitative data is used in the workplace.

Does Quantitative Methods require more work than other programmes?

No. Whilst the tools and techniques we teach will be unfamiliar to you when you start the course, we start slowly and there is plenty of time to practice throughout the degrees.

Do I need to be really good at maths to do this?

Whilst it is true that quantitative data analysis does involve working with numbers, it is probably very different to the type of maths you have done at school. The work we do is applied to real world situations and doesn't involve abstract mathematical concepts. As long as you are confident with basic mathematical concepts you will be able to handle quantitative data analysis.

I have not done maths since GCSE, will I be able to follow this course?

We follow an embedded teaching approach, focusing on substantive topics to facilitate statistical understanding. We also proceed slowly, ensuring that knowledge is consolidated as we move forward. We offer weekly drop-in sessions where members of staff can help you with any questions arising from lectures and readings.

What difference will it make in my degree to have a placement?

The work placement gives you the opportunity to apply the methods and techniques learned in class to a real world setting. Gaining first hand experience of how numbers can be used in the workplace will give you a unique understanding of the practical challenges involved in quantitative research. Completion of the four week placement will also help your CV stand out from the crowd when you start to apply for work after you have completed your degree.

Where will I do my paid placement?

There are many different options. We collaborate with a number of prestigious London-based employers such as Ipsos MORI, NatCen, and Demos. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Office for National Statistics. Internal placements are also possible if you prefer to be based locally. For example, you may provide research assistance for an ongoing project of a member of staff at Warwick. You can find out more information about placements, including last year's placement providers, on the Placement webpage.

What careers will be available for me after graduation?

Data are everywhere and there is an increasing demand for social science graduates with quantitative methods skills in the labour market. This is what led us to create this degree which will provide you with research and critical skills that are necessary for careers in areas like the civil service, social research, journalism, and the private sector. You can find out more about the range of options available to you on our Careers and Employability webpage.

Can I still access MA degrees or jobs that are usually open to non-Quantitative Methods graduates if I take a degree with Quantitative Methods?

Yes. The full range of opportunities will be open to you as a Quantitative Methods graduate. The data analysis skills developed during the degree will help you to stand out from the crowd.