Course summary

This programme will provide you with an introduction to the key issues in approaches to, and techniques of, research methods and design in the social sciences. Our programme instils key skills in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. It also offers additional study in research methods from the computational social sciences. This qualification will enable you to become an independent researcher who can engage and tackle pressing social issues through the application of rigorous social science research. SPS Research Training Centre The MSc Social Research is the flagship postgraduate degree of the SPS Research Training Centre (RTC). The RTC applies expertise in a diverse set of social science methods through teaching and research to contribute new insights to the key challenges in society. It is a hub for additional resources and workshops that MSc Social Research students can access to supplement their programme training, for example, in preparation for their dissertations. Social Research with Quantitative Methods pathway Within this programme we offer a specialist pathway - Social Research with Quantitative Methods. Closely linked to Edinburgh Q-Step Centre, you will undertake training in advanced social statistics and data science, always including hands-on opportunities to tackle social research questions using data from a variety of sources. You will be embedded within the wider research environment of quantitative social science within Edinburgh Q-Step Centre, one of the largest collections of quantitative social scientists in the UK, and will be welcome to attend our thriving seminar series. The rise of Big Data and the increasing linkages that are being made between social, administrative and biomedical data-sets make this an exciting time to study quantitative social science. Who this programme is for Whatever your subject or methodological background, the MSc in Social Research is a flexible and comprehensive qualification that will make you a sought-after researcher combining strong quantitative and qualitative research skills with the theoretical training to contribute to important social research questions. This programme is for you if you are interested in:

• improving people’s lives using research and evidence

• working for a government, company or an international organisation involved in social research

• undertaking further study and building a firm methodological foundation on which to proceed

• building a solid foundation for a PhD

• formalising your existing skills as an analyst