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 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. 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. 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.
- social researcher
- government social researcher
- human resources officer
- higher education lecturer
- politician’s assistant.
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 | £10800 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10800 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10800 | Year 1 |
| International | £19830 | Year 1 |
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.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700