Social Research MSc

Course description

The MSc in Social Research provides you with an expert grounding in the practice of social research. You will gain the necessary advanced academic skills to develop, conduct and evaluate social research.

The degree will provide you with a critical understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis and the philosophical, theoretical and technical problems associated with these methods.

You will develop a full appreciation of the political problems and ethical considerations that need to be borne in mind when conducting research, in particular a sensitivity to issues of race, gender, age and sexuality. By taking this course you will gain a detailed knowledge of the range of data sources available to social scientists, including secondary data sets of various kinds. You will increase your understanding of the links between social research and social policy formulation and administration.

The course will equip you with a range of practical research skills (including computing, academic writing and preparation for publication, presentation and applying for grants) and the ability to identify researchable questions and formulate an appropriate and practical design to address them.

Our MSc can provide you with a gateway to a research-based career or is an excellent foundation for doctoral research.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through various methods including lectures, seminar discussions and individual tutorials in preparation for assignments.

The modules are assessed principally by essay and project work. You will also complete a supervised dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words.

Careers and employability

For many graduates our MSc has been a gateway to a research-based career or a means of advancing their career with a current employer. Others have found that the MSc is an excellent foundation for doctoral research and an academic career.