Social Science Research Methods at Keele University - UCAS

Keele University

Degree level: Postgraduate

Social Science Research Methods (Taught)

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

Course summary

Social research helps us understand human behaviour, providing insights into social issues, personal experiences, public opinion, patterns of collective behaviour and what causes them. The MRes Social Science Research Methods offers a thorough grounding in a range of research skills and methodologies. You’ll gain practical experience of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method analysis techniques and develop valuable transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving. Excellent preparation for further research or doctoral study, you’ll also be well placed for roles in business or government, marketing, policy-making, charitable organisations, education and training, or law. Why study this course?

  • Flexible in its delivery, this course can be studied as either full-time over one year, part-time over two years, or on a modular basis up to five years, accumulating degree credits as you go
  • The MRes is recognised by and meets the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) postgraduate social science research training and development guidelines
  • Excellent student support, supervision and flexibility, allowing you to pursue a topic of interest - your choice - as part of the final dissertation
  • Keele is a member of the ESRC’s North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), which opens up opportunities for PhD research funding
  • High staff-to-student ratio enhanced by small-group tutorials and a strong, inclusive research community
Generating knowledge that can ultimately ease suffering and improve individual, community and even international relations, the impact of social science research cannot be underestimated. It helps policy makers recognise and understand social issues, informing decisions about the design and implementation of appropriate responses to anything from economic aid and education, to health and immigration. Constantly evolving, social phenomena – the individual, social and external influences that affect our behaviour and opinions about life and our relationships with others – can have a profound effect on people’s lives and development when it comes to, for example, civil rights and racism, marriage and equal rights. About Keele Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university. We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level. Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.


Entry requirements

Applicants should have a 2.1 honours degree or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant Social Science or Arts and Humanities subject. For students who fall short of this requirement, relevant work experience, or evidence of other experience in the field, can be required as an alternative. Students whose discipline differs from those of the named routes, but which falls within the broad purview of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, are encouraged to discuss possible admission to the programme with the Programme Director. However, students from different backgrounds who believe they have the capacity to undertake postgraduate work in the social sciences should contact us to discuss their situation. Students for whom English is a 2nd language will need English language proficiency of at least 6.5 in IELTS text scores (or equivalent).


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Information relating to the tuition fees and funding options for this course can be viewed on the Keele University website. https://www.keele.ac.uk/study/postgraduatestudy/tuitionfeesandfunding
Social Science Research Methods at Keele University - UCAS