Social Research
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.
Months of entry
October
Course content
Our Social Research postgraduate programme 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
The MSc course 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.
This programme provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.
The course provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research 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.
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research 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.
- 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.
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.
Information for international students
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 no 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.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- PGDip
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- PGCert
- part time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700