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MSc Social Research Methods

The MSc is clearly the UK market leading social research methods degree. This is true both in terms of the quality of the teaching but also in terms of the quality of the students choosing to read for it. Methodology Department students know how to do empirical research and this puts them in a different league from students graduating from other programmes in the UK.

From the 2013 Report of the External Examiner: Professor Colin Mills, Professor of Sociology, Nuffield College, Oxford.

 

 

Information for prospective students

MSc Social Research Methods is now open for 2025/26 applications.

Visit the MSc Social Research Methods online prospectus page for full details.

This programme will equip you with theoretical understanding and practical skills in all stages of research in the social sciences – from design to data collection, analysis and interpretation, and critical appreciation as a "consumer" of research. You'll learn both quantitative and qualitative research methods, but you'll have the opportunity to specialise in one of these if you prefer. You can choose to complement your methods training with one or two substantively focused courses from another department. You'll design and carry out an empirical social science research project for your dissertation, with the support of an academic supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach will give you confidence to apply your expertise in a broad range of settings. Our graduates go on to successful careers in sectors including academia, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and public and private sectors.

Our syllabus goes beyond the ESRC’s requirements for the first year of a 1+3 PhD programme, making it excellent training for doctoral research.

The MSc is eligible for ESRC funding as the "1" (first year) of the following "1+3" PhD programmes:

If you wish to apply for either of these streams, you need to submit a dual application for the MSc and corresponding MPhil/PhD.

The MSc may be taken full-time over a calendar year, or part-time over two years. Please see the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Calendar for further information on the programme structure.

 

Aims and objectives


The MSc aims to provide:

  • The skills of 'practical scholarship' built on a thorough grounding in the principles of quantitative and qualitative social research
  • An advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
  • Experience in the design, collection, analysis and reporting of empirical social research
  • Experience of computer analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data
  • Training as a precursor to doctoral research and/or for employment in social research in the public and private sectors

The programme outcomes are:

  • Understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
  • Understanding of conceptual and methodological questions underlying quantitative and qualitative research
  • Ability to design, conduct, analyse and report a social research project

How to apply

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science. Relevant professional experience also considered.

In addition, for this programme, if your first language is not English, you must submit a writing sample of five-ten typewritten pages.

See ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s How to apply webpage or the for answers to the vast majority of application-related queries.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

At ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a  of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.

The funding deadline for needs-based awards from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳: 24 April 2025.

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.

You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ scholarship once you’ve joined the School.

You can also apply for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding when you apply as part of a 1+3 research programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one-year research training master's linked to a three-year PhD. It is designed for students who have not completed an ESRC-recognised programme of research training at MSc level.

To be considered for ESRC funding, you need to supply your application (and any supporting documents) before the funding deadline.

Funding deadline for ESRC funding: 15 January 2025.

Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

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Further information

Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.

 

Current students

Please refer to the MSc Social Research Methods Handbook and  for programme information.

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