Centre for Advanced Research Methods (CARM)
The Centre for Advanced Research Methods (CARM) is hosted by the Faculty of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences. CARM provides an interdisciplinary environment which builds on our excellent research practice and disciplinary traditions to develop and support new partnerships and explore methodological innovation.
The Centre creates a space for collaboration and the development of innovative research approaches. methods and methods training
Under the CARM umbrella, our methodological expertise is divided into three distinct areas:
Digital Humanities
At Exeter, we integrate digital methods and practices into the heart of our research. We are excited by the interdisciplinary opportunities and diverse new fields of study opened up by digital research in the humanities, and we host an expanding range of projects in this specialism.
The Digital Humanities Lab (DH Lab) is a specialist research facility offering full lifecycle project development and lab spaces and equipment for research and teaching. The DH Lab team are experts in the digital preservation, analysis and display of cultural heritage materials, text, and objects, and offer the following to internal, regional, national and international partners:
Full-lifecycle digital project development
- Project consulting and grant development
- Research-led web development
- Data archiving and digital infrastructure
Research Methods and Advanced Technologies
- Cultural heritage photography
- Aerial and object structure from motion photogrammetry
- Computational photographic and imaging techniques such as RTI, Photometric Stereo
- 3D printing (PLA and resin photopolymer)
- Digital editions (text encoding, OCR, HTR)
- Interactive/bespoke online platforms & visualisations
- Geomatics and Geohumanities
- Video and audio recording & production
- Digitization and forensic recovery of legacy media
Training workshops
We run digital skills training for staff, students and external partners, including research data management, archival and lab photography, applied Python and R, and digital preservation.
Computational Social Science
The Centre for Computational Social Science - C2S2 - brings together researchers from across different disciplines of study, but all of whom use a range of data science techniques to study social systems.
Methods include statistical analysis, network analysis, natural language processing, image classification and object detection, and many other data science and computational methods. Crucially, C2S2 researchers combine these methodological skills and the insights they yield with in-depth expertise in their specific subject areas, such as election and voting behaviours, education and life trajectory, extremism and terrorism, and criminal behaviours, to yield unique and actionable data-driven insights.
Visit Q-Step Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2) site>>
Qualitative and Creative Methods
This area focuses on the rigorous, ethical and innovative practice of qualitative and creative research. We aim to interrogate and promote the practice of engaging qualitative and creative research. We draw on research practice from across disciplinary traditions in the humanities arts and social sciences to create an interdisciplinary and collaborative space.
Our expertise encompasses a wide range of practice in methodologies of qualitive and creative knowledge production. We foster a collaborative, reflexive, critical and interdisciplinary space to advance our knowledge, understanding and practice a wide range of qualitative and creative practices and methodologies.
MRes opportunities
Embarking on a master’s degree in Social Science Research Methods will empower you with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of social research.
Through this academic journey, you will refine your analytical skills, gaining proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and digital research methodologies. The program ensures a deep understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in social research, fostering a sense of responsibility in your scholarly pursuits. You'll engage with real-world applications, honing your ability to contribute valuable insights to social issues. Additionally, collaborative learning environments and exposure to diverse research projects will cultivate your adaptability and critical thinking. As a graduate armed with advanced research methods, you'll emerge ready to drive positive change in various professional domains, equipped to conduct impactful, evidence-based analyses that address the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.
The South-West Doctoral Partnership, funded by the ESRC, offers PhD student funding in the south-west across eighteen different pathways.
