Applied Social Research

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have an upper second-class honours degree in one of the Social Sciences. Applications from graduates in other disciplines (e.g. health sciences, business studies, economics, marketing, history etc) who have relevant experience will be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The M.Sc. in Applied Social Research is a taught Masters programme which can be completed on a one year, full-time or two year, part-time basis. It is designed for graduates in the social sciences who want to develop their research skills and gain employment in the area of research. This Masters is equally suited to those who wish to build research skills for application in their current work environments. The course also provides a strong foundation for further post-graduate study, particularly for PhD research.

Using a combination of lectures, workshops and practical assignments, this M.Sc. programme trains graduates to:

• Design and conduct primary social research using both quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• Analyse the research data collected using a variety of computer programmes and;
• Write and present research findings to a variety of audiences.

Initiated in 1997, the M.Sc. in Applied Social Research has established an excellent reputation in training students in applied research skills. Graduates of the M.Sc. in Applied Social Research typically gain employment in research institutes or consultancies, government departments, semi-state agencies, the NGO sector, and in a range of policy environments. Others go on to complete further post-graduate study.

The M.Sc. programme consists of three integrated modules: Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods and Research Ethics, and Research Design, Evaluation Research, and Accessing Resources. Students also complete an eight-week Work Placement where they get the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers/research teams within their host institutions. Students already in relevant employment can complete their work placement in that setting. Exemptions from the work placement may be granted at the discretion of the Course Director in exceptional cases.

A 20,000 word research dissertation is submitted by all students at the end of August (of Year 1 for full-time students and Year 2 for part-time students). This applied research project is initiated following the completion of all course assignments.

Fees and funding

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Qualification and course duration

MSc

Course contact details