Applied Social Research

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

INTO University of Stirling offers a Graduate Diploma if you don’t meet the required criteria for this course. If you successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Media, Humanities and Social Sciences and meet the required progression grades, you’ll be guaranteed entry onto this Masters degree.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

This Masters course provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to carry out robust social research and evaluation. You’ll learn how to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity.

You’ll also critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research and explore the issues with social network research. Finally, you’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between research and policymaking.

Our MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies, as well as preparing you for an ESRC-recognised interdisciplinary PhD in Families, Relationships and Demographic Change and Social Care.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

· IELTS: 6.5 with 6.0 minimum in each skill

· Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 with minimum of 169 in each skill

· Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 with minimum 169 in each skill

· Pearson Test of English (Academic): 60 with 56 in each component

· IBT TOEFL: 90 with no subtest less than 20

More information on our English language requirements

Fees and funding

Please consult our website for up-to-date information on fees and funding.