Course summary
Taught by a team of nationally and internationally renowned researchers, the MSc Social Research combines the philosophical and methodological foundations for social research with advanced methods training. This combination will enable you to become part of a new generation of social researchers integrating creative and imaginative critical thinking with the qualitative and quantitative tools necessary for addressing current interdisciplinary global challenges. The applied focus of the MSc will enable you to work in a variety of professional research settings in the public and private sectors as well as prepare those of you who wish to advance further and undertake PhD studies in social scientific, media and policy-oriented subjects. Some of the specialty topics and modes of research that you will experience include: interviewing; focus groups; social media analysis; discourse analysis; ethnography; oral histories; auto/biography and auto-ethnography; visual methods; systematic review; surveys and statistical modelling; as well as opportunities to conduct fieldwork and participate in work-based learning drawn from a network of regional and national organisations. You will enjoy flexible learning through our blended approach that combines face-to-face workshops with online interactive delivery and have the opportunity of writing up research work carried out in an applied research setting. As a MSc Social Research student, you will benefit from and contribute to the University’s vibrant, supportive and forward-thinking community of postgraduate students within the School of Law, Criminology and Government as well as more widely at the University of Plymouth, nestled between rural Dartmoor to the north and the historic coastal Hoe and Barbican to the south.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. You can apply for one of our postgraduate courses directly using our online application form. For details on how to apply, and to access the online application form, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/international-students-postgraduate-applications. Once you have applied, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A minimum £2,000 tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Normal minimum entry requirements are 2:1 within a Social Science or Humanities disciplines and a 200-500 words statement of intent. Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made. Students below 2:1 will be considered if they can demonstrate a strong academic portfolio or a record of professional experience. International Normal minimum entry requirements are equivalent to 2:1 and a 200 - 500 words statement of intent. Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made. Students with equivalents below 2:1 will be considered if they can demonstrate a strong academic portfolio or a record of professional experience. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent required for overseas students. APL, APEL, transferring students Applicants with APL will be considered on an individual basis according to the University Regulations Framework. Students interested in transferring postgraduate credits will be considered on merit and current University regulations regarding transfer of credits from other institutions will apply. Students will supply a supporting portfolio of work and a 200-500 words statement of intent. Candidates are interviewed before an offer is made.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.
English Language Requirements
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees
* Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA