Course summary

What is special about this course? The demand for skilled social researchers is growing rapidly across public, private, and third-sector organisations, as complex social issues continue to shape our world. This MSc Social Research programme is designed to meet this demand by equipping you with a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of social research. Grounded in critical and ethical approaches, the course enables you to engage confidently with a wide range of research methods and tools within the social sciences. This flexible programme can be studied either online or on campus, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to suit your interests and career goals. You’ll gain expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and graduate ready to take on roles in policy analysis, programme evaluation, or to pursue further academic research at PhD level. For those looking to specialise further, the MSc Social Research with Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) offers an additional focus on cutting-edge quantitative and computational techniques. This pathway includes training in large-scale data analysis and advanced methods such as natural language processing, preparing you for data-intensive roles or further study involving sophisticated statistical research. Special features ◾Explore a wide range of contemporary topics through specialist modules designed to deepen your knowledge and technical skills, with the opportunity to tailor your learning through either of the following pathways:

• MSc Social Research: Focus on areas such as human ecology, comparative governance, youth-led research, participatory action research, and statistical methods

• MSc Social Research with Advanced Quantitative Methods: Specialise in advanced techniques including Geographic Information Systems, text mining, and computational analysis