Dr Simon Massey

My profile

Biography

I am currently an Associate Head to the Department of Sociology. My research expertise align Quantitative Methods with the Sociology of Education. 

My research interests are Attitudes to Subjects, with a recent focus on Attitudes to Mathematics and Statistics. My research informs my teaching as I teach statistics to predominantly Sociology and Criminology students, but have also worked with student across the University amongst other Universities. 

Part of my role is the Education Lead for the Department. This entails supporting staff and students to ensure we provide the best educational experiences we can, that is fun, informative and useful for our students’ future careers. I am also the Director of the Q-Step centre, who teach quantitative methods from Foundation Year to Postgraduate study and actively research a number of topics using Quantitative Methodologies. 

Here is a short video about me

https://stummuac-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/15108809_stu_mmu_ac_uk/EVjJNkrkQI9LmI1adGvoWzcB4j6etJAIN4bXCswTkZRdpw?e=S35OEC

Words of wisdom

Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you and enjoy your time here. Use your education as an opportunity to learn about yourself as well as your subjects. Enjoy the friendships that you will build and cherish the many memories that you will make whilst studying. Embrace the challenges ahead and always remember what you are working towards.

Academic and professional qualifications

PhD (MMU) BA (MMU), MSC (MMU), PGCLTHE (MMU), 

Other academic service (administration and management)

Previous Coordinator of MMU’s Numeracy Support Service, “The Numeracy Project”, providing tailored support in Numeracy and Statistical Research Methods across the University. 

Membership of professional associations

Member of British Sociological Association

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Teaching

Why do I teach?

I teach because am passionate about education and I believe Sociology is an exciting and important subject. Most importantly, I love to teach. I believe university is one of the most important times in our lives and work to ensure that my students enjoy learning whilst developing their skills and getting ready for their careers.

How I’ll teach you

I love my subject and therefore love teaching it. I also believe the most important perspective in learning is the student’s and welcome feedback to my sessions. I also encourage student-centred learning and believe you should develop additional skills for your desired careers whilst you develop academically.

I will always work to ensure you have the most informative and enjoyable experiences as possible and I will always encourage you to push yourself. 

Why study…

I am the current unit leader for:

Applied Quantitative Project 

Subject areas

Sociology of Education

Research Methods

Research outputs

My main research interests are 

  • Quantitative Research Methods 
  • Attitudinal Measurement
  • Research with Schools 
  • Educational Identities 
  • Pedagogy and Teaching Research Methods