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Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University - 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

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Learn social research methods and the supporting theories and philosophies.
  • Develop areas of specialist interests to integrate into your methodological training.
  • Discuss research issues with students from other postgraduate and doctoral courses.
  • Critique current developments and conduct your own original research.
On this course, you’ll focus on research specialisms encompassing sociology, social policy, politics, criminology, education studies, urban studies, youth studies and cultural studies. You’ll study a range of research methodologies – including interview-based narrative and biographical research, case studies, media analysis and statistical analysis of large data sets. How you learn All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. The course includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD. Several recent students have gone onto doctoral level study. You can also take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or certificate (PgCert) in Research Methods in Social Science. You learn through
  • essays
  • research projects
  • presentations
  • research proposals
Work placements The entire MRes programme is geared towards applied learning – providing the skills (methodological, analytical, theoretical and practical) you’ll need to manage real-world research projects. These skills will be showcased in your extended dissertation. Beyond this, you’ll have the opportunity to arrange a two-week long work placement with one of Sheffield Hallam University’s externally facing research centres – such as the Centre for Development and Research in Education, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies. This will give you valuable insight into the world of policy-oriented research. In addition to this, you will also be able to access the Professional Skills for Research Leadership programme of events, which provides advice and skills for those seeking to pursue research careers inside and outside of academia. Live projects In the Sociology subject group, we conduct real-world research projects and publish academic books and articles in a wide range of areas. These include postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality, research methods and reflexivity, addiction and recovery, health policy, social class and class identities, employment and welfare reform, protest and policing, evaluation of educational interventions, subcultures and consumption. Staff from Sociology have been submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Sheffield Hallam University is also part of the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council to recognise excellence in the delivery of research methods instruction. Networking opportunities Alongside your fellow MRes Social Science students, you’ll benefit from a learning environment where you share some classes with doctoral students – giving you the opportunity to debate, share ideas and organise reading and study support sessions. Competitions You’ll have an opportunity to gain experience in the dissemination of research – by presenting your research projects at the annual Postgraduate Research and Early Careers Research Poster Conference and Competition.

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances. Year 1 Compulsory modules Philosophies Of Research: Classical Social Theory Philosophies Of Research: Contemporary Social Theory Principles Of Methodology: Positivist Tradition Principles Of Methodology: Social Constructionism Final year Compulsory modules Dissertation (Social Sciences) Qualitative Research 1 Qualitative Research 2 Survey Method 1: Design And Application Survey Method 2: Descriptive Analysis And Statistical Significance

Assessment method

Coursework

Entry requirements

Typically a 2.2 degree in a suitable subject. For example,sociology, social policy, criminology, cultural studies, youth studies, education, politics, urban studies, human geography, community studies, subcultural studies, audience studies, health policy, sexualities, policing, and drug rehabilitation. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas. If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas.

International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/Courses/Sociology/MRes-Social-Research/Part-time/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £17155 Year 1
International £17155 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

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS