Program Overview

Overview of the Applied Social Research (M.Sc.) Program

The Applied Social Research (M.Sc.) program at Trinity College Dublin is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct social research, including advanced training in quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The course is multi-disciplinary and career-focused, aiming to create a stimulating learning environment for students.

Course Details

• NFQ Level: 9
• Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time
• Number of Places: 20
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Dr. Louise Caffrey
• Closing Date: 31st July 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) Honours degree in one of the Social Sciences. Applications from graduates in other disciplines who have relevant experience will also be considered. Students will also be required to undergo Garda Vetting.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The M.Sc. in Applied Social Research is a taught Masters program that can be completed full-time in one year or part-time in two years. The program consists of a number of integrated modules that run for between two and four semesters, depending on full or part-time registration. Students also complete a work placement over a period of eight weeks.

Course Content

The program consists of the following modules:

• Qualitative Research Methods and Research Ethics
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Research Design, Evaluation Research, and Literature Searches and Reviews
• Work Placement
• A Research Dissertation

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

Career Opportunities

Researchers and data analysts are in high demand in all areas of employment. There are excellent career opportunities, both in Ireland and abroad, for scientists and social scientists with both quantitative and qualitative research skills. The research and data analysis skills taught on this course have application in a wide range of areas, including scientific and health research, social work, education, child and youth studies, migration research, ageing and life course research, gender studies, marketing, management science, economics, psychology, and sociology.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Related Courses

• Applied Social Data Science (M.Sc.)
• Applied Social Data Science (P.Grad.Dip)
• Child Protection and Welfare (M.Sc. / P.Grad.Dip)
• Social Policy and Practice (Online) (P. Grad. Dip)
• Social Work (M.S.W. / P.Grad.Dip)