Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods

Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your understanding of the social and political implications of digitalisation, and learn how to effectively research and investigate them.

During this course, you’ll become a fully trained social science researcher with expertise in sociotechnical futures. Key topics that sit within this area include:

• cybersecurity
• the political implications of digitalisation
• the use of AI and algorithms across various domains
• technology and automation
• climate change

Through a focus on quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to progress your studies or become a professional researcher in these areas.

You’ll enhance your understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of large-scale data and how to effectively present key insights and findings.

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in a number of private and public sector roles.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.

If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.

For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in sociotechnical futures. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

These include: advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills; bibliographic skills; and basic computing skills, such as word processing, spreadsheet creation and optimisation, and database management.

Graduate prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative and qualitative research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters.

Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data.

This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of research and enquiry in the context of sociotechnical futures.

Upon completion of this course, you’ll be well suited to specialist roles within the adoption and use of digital technologies. These may include policy, regulatory, and governance-related roles in a range of sectors. This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

Fees and funding

View available funding opportunities.