Social Research MSc

Entry requirements

• A minimum of 2:2 honours degree from a university in the United Kingdom, or an equivalent international qualification
• Minimum English language requirements to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands
• Applicants with appropriate professional experience who hold an ordinary degree will be considered on an individual basis

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The demand for skilled social researchers is growing rapidly across public, private, and third-sector organisations, as complex social issues continue to shape our world. This MSc Social Research programme is designed to meet this demand by equipping you with a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of social research. Grounded in critical and ethical approaches, the course enables you to engage confidently with a wide range of research methods and tools within the social sciences.

This flexible programme can be studied either online or on campus, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to suit your interests and career goals. You’ll gain expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and graduate ready to take on roles in policy analysis, programme evaluation, or to pursue further academic research at PhD level.

For those looking to specialise further, the MSc Social Research with Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) offers an additional focus on cutting-edge quantitative and computational techniques. This pathway includes training in large-scale data analysis and advanced methods such as natural language processing, preparing you for data-intensive roles or further study involving sophisticated statistical research.

Special features

• Explore a wide range of contemporary topics through specialist modules designed to deepen your knowledge and technical skills, with the opportunity to tailor your learning through either of the following pathways:
  • MSc Social Research: Focus on areas such as human ecology, comparative governance, youth-led research, participatory action research, and statistical methods
  • MSc Social Research with Advanced Quantitative Methods: Specialise in advanced techniques including Geographic Information Systems, text mining, and computational analysis
• Approved by UK's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and can be followed as part of ESRC-funded studentships with the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences
• Flexible learning environment with hybrid activities for on campus and online learning
• Seminar series and additional training in research facilitation and dissemination, with opportunities for networking with research staff
• Comprehensive resources and training across social science research methods, with fully-funded supplementary events and training from the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences

Fees and funding

The MSc Social Research can be followed as part of a Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences (SGSSS) studentship in cases where one year of study at the Masters level is included in the studentship pathway. Click here for information on upcoming deadlines and how to apply for SGSSS studentships.