Social and Behavioural Research Methods

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods programme at Heriot-Watt University provides you with excellent training in Research Methods in the social and behavioural sciences and prepares you for a career in research, whether you want to work in academia, industry, or government.

During the Master’s programme, you will develop advanced research skills and techniques within Social Sciences. You will understand the principles of research design and strategy and be able to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation. You will be able to understand and apply a broad range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative, and will use appropriate software for their application.

In semester 1, you will undertake research methods courses which provide you with a foundational understanding on how to do research in the Social Sciences, as well as introducing you to qualitative and quantitative research. In semester 2, you will have the opportunity to choose four optional courses from across the School of Social Sciences within the broad disciplines of Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Psychology, as well as courses designed to cut across disciplines. Each of these courses will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in research methods. We strongly encourage you to take an interdisciplinary approach in choosing your optional courses and develop your broad research skills, but you can also choose to follow a specific disciplinary pathway. This will allow you to customise your learning and develop your specific interests. Your dissertation in semester 3 will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination based on your core interest, whether it is an independent project in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, or Psychology.

You will benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you will be able to use a significant range of professional skills, techniques, and materials to understand the application of good ethical practice across the entire research process. You can go on to Doctoral study after graduation, work in research consultancies, government offices, or charities. The career opportunities are numerous!

Our Expertise

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Your learning environment

This degree is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, full-day seminars, lab work, and online learning platforms. You will also take part in regular Q&A sessions in semester 1 which will focus on various aspects of doing research, including research integrity and career options after graduation.

You will be assessed through a mix of coursework, final online assessment (exam) and a dissertation. You will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.

Customise your learning

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods provides you with training and hands-on experience of research methods that will equip you with the ability to produce new knowledge in the field of Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Psychology.

You will study three core courses on the syllabus and choose four optional courses from a range of subjects within the Social Sciences. This allows you to tailor your degree to your specific interests or career goals by selecting specialist course options.

In semester 3, your dissertation will allow you to explore a topic of particular interest in-depth. You will be able to critically analyse and review academic studies in an objective and well-judged manner. You will learn and demonstrate a critical ability to use a range of techniques and research methods to produce this project.

You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team.