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Social Research at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our social research postgraduate course is an interdisciplinary social science training programme designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace or for MPhil/PhD study. We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. MSc Social Research Our MSc covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses. You also carry out an independent dissertation, putting into practice the methods and theoretical concepts you have been taught. The course provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research. Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research Our Postgraduate Diploma is designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace. The course covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses. It provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research. Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research Our Postgraduate Certificate is designed for people working in social research or related areas who find themselves needing a stronger grounding in formal qualitative and quantitative research methods. There is an emphasis on applying research techniques, including interviewing, focus groups and data analysis using SPSS. Epistemological issues in designing research projects are also addressed. Highlights

  • Rigorous training in a range of contemporary social research methods.
  • Excellent foundation for doctoral social research.
  • Interdisciplinary, theoretically informed and creative approach to research.
  • Exemplifies methods with a wide range of interesting examples from topical areas of social research.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in government departments, think tanks, NGOs, the Civil Service and political parties. Possible professions include:
  • social researcher
  • government social researcher
  • human resources officer
  • higher education lecturer
  • politician’s assistant.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment is through a range of methods, including examinations, long essays, independent project work and a 15,000-word dissertation. The assessment methods have been designed to allow you to demonstrate practical skills, critical thinking and the ability to work independently on a piece of research.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant social science subject and/or relevant work or other (for example, voluntary) experience. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £5850 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5850 Year 1
Scotland £5850 Year 1
Wales £5850 Year 1
International £10170 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Social Research at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS