Social Science Research Methods

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Economic History, Environmental Studies, Geography, International Relations, Development, Law, Management, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy. Other related Humanities subjects will also be considered.

Extensive work experience in Government or a policy related field may be considered along with a lower degree. We would also welcome students with experience in creative industries or broader humanities, including curatorial, history or similar fields. Students with experience of project management, research ethics and research methods, including surveys, interviews and ethnographic methodologies are welcome to apply.

A personal statement indicating your research interests must be submitted with your application.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Masters in Social Science Research Methods will make you a confident, capable researcher across quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. It features intensive expert-led training and hands-on data projects. You will develop critical data literacy, ethical research practices, and advanced skills in data management. The programme centres on your own research questions, ensuring relevance and engagement.

Why this programme

• This programme combines social science research skills training with subject specialisation making this a flexible and powerful foundation for a PhD and beyond.
• Methods training can be tailored with specialist courses in Criminology, Economic & Social History, Global Health, International Relations, Public Policy, Russian and East European Studies, Sociology, and Urban Research, preparing you for subsequent PhD study or a career in social research.
• Key skills are acquired via several hands-on data projects that develop your skills to become independent researchers.
• We provide you with the space to explore and apply diverse forms of knowledge production related to different social science disciplines, fields and contexts.
• The fully flexible degree structure allows for expert and disciplinary training to be tailored to your interests and career plans.
• Our commitment to research-led teaching ensures that courses reflect the cutting-edge research of our teaching staff.
• Home to several world-leading research centres, the School of Social & Political Sciences boasts highly active research community of scholars.
• The school is a leading centre of research excellence for social and political science, with 90% or more of its research assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021.
• Our intensive orientation programme features introductory teaching and guided study sessions, as well as additional support for those learning research methods for the first time.
• This programme is recognised by the Scottish Graduate School for Social Science (SGSSS) on behalf of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as a training Masters on its +1 scheme.