Quantitative Methods Programme

The Quantitative Methods (QM) Programme aims to promote a step-change in quantitative methods training for UK social science undergraduates. It has been developed by the Nuffield Foundation in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

The £15.5 million programme will promote institutional change; produce a first cohort of quantitatively skilled undergraduates; and create links between undergraduate and postgraduate training. Its ultimate purpose is to benefit academic research and meet the needs of the wider labour market.

Undergraduate departments or groups of departments within Higher Education Institutions are invited to apply for funding of up to £350,000 a year for up to five years to develop and deliver a wide range of training activities to embed quantitative skills training and a deep understanding of research design.

Examples could include the development of new courses with significant focus on quantitative methods; the development of vacation training activities and work placements, and bursaries for students to attend them; and developing links between undergraduate and postgraduate provision for quantitative methods training.

The deadline for applications was 28 February 2013. Applications will now be peer reviewed and shorlisted for selection panel. Any enquires regarding the programme should be sent to QMenquiries@nuffieldfoundation.org.

Highlights

Programme Background

The Programme Background (PDF) explains why the QM Programme is necessary, what it aims to do and how the application process will operate. We have also issued a press release to announce the launch of the QM Programme. 

Ministerial support

The quantitative methods programme has been welcomed by Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willetts MP.

Society Counts 

Evidence of the deficit in quantitative methods is summarised in the British Academy's position statement, Society Counts.

Learned societies and professional bodies

A group of learned societies and professional bodies have published a statement acknowledging the quantitative skills deficit and pledging support for the QM Programme.

Learned society and professional bodies statement on quantitative skills (PDF).