MSc Social Research and Policy

Overview

MSc Social Research and Policy will help you to develop:

• A critical awareness of the economic, socio-cultural and political contexts that influence the practice of social research in various fields (i.e. academic, non-governmental, business, government & policy, media & creative industries).

• An ability to find and use reliable data for an interdisciplinary and critically informed discussion on a range of contemporary issues and social policies that impact on individuals and groups.

• An ability to critically evaluate and assess evidence, impact & outcomes, and to identify the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of trustworthiness, validity, authenticity, and re-liability that inform such claims.

• An ability to reflect on the real-life implications of social research designs and qualitative & quantitative methodologies in addressing socio-cultural, economic, and political issues and inequalities in diverse contexts.

• An ability to apply social research principles and skills in real-life settings, working both independently and collaboratively, to deliver ethically and academically robust research projects.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

• 1 years

Start date:

• Sep

Course details

The MSc Social Research and Policy responds to an identified need for graduates with an in-depth academic understanding, and applied skills in all aspects of social research. Everything about our MSc Social Research and Policy is geared towards helping you grow as a professional researcher, ready for an independent career in business, the charity sector, public administration, academia, or creative industries and media (among others).

The programme has been developed, and will continue, with an Advisory Board of external stakeholders from employers and users of social research.

Committed to Building Professional Identities

Good social researchers stay on top of global current affairs, monitor fast-changing social policy landscapes, keep in touch with professional bodies, and keep abreast of developments in academic debates.

Learn Research from the Scotland’s Leading Researchers

We are a group of excellent researchers who do work that matters. Understanding and counteracting social (in)equalities is at the heart of our Social Sciences group and building and advancing more socially just and equitable societies is paramount to our work.

The Dissertation Project

This is where your knowledge, skills, and capabilities will shine! Your individual DP is a piece of advanced scholarship & research that you will carry out under the individual mentorship of an academic colleague.

Lead Academics

Our MSc Social Research and Policy is built on feminist ethos of cooperation and help. Therefore, instead of vertical, hierarchical divisions of responsibility, we prefer horizontal collaborations.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching and learning on our MSc is participatory, engaging, and hands-on, delivered through a mix of workshops, guest sessions, fieldwork and external visits, mentorship activities, and computer labs.

Assessments

Each module has a tailored suite of activities, outputs & formats to showcase the best of your skills & knowledge.

Work placement

There are no compulsory work placement modules on this programme. Through engaging in the optional work placement related to your course, you will explore the concepts, debates, policies, initiatives, and funding related to the area in which you’re working.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Advanced Research Skills (PSY11102)

This module introduces you to advanced research skills in psychology and the social sciences.

Applied Research Design (SSC11117)

The module introduces key principles of designing social research at all stages, from the initial idea to the final dissemination and outputs.

Dissertation Project (SSC11123)

The dissertation project is a piece of advanced, independent scholarship & research work that you will carry out individually.

Dissertation [40 Credits - 3 Trimesters] (SSC11125)

The dissertation is the culmination of the Masters Programme and will draw on your learning over the course of the Programme.

Evaluation and Impact (SSC11120)

What counts as ‘impact’? When can we claim for example, a social intervention is ‘impactful’ on target communities and groups?

Key Societal Challenges (SSC11127)

How can we as social scientists better understand and effectively respond to the main societal challenges we face today while meaningfully committing to shared values and ethics?

Work Placement (PSY11101)

There are three ways in which you can engage with this module.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Social Research and policy?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above in a related social sciences or humanities subjects (e.g. sociology, psychology, criminology, anthropology, social care, cultural studies, education, journalism, media and history).

Can I get admission into Social Research and Policy based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience.

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Students from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £7,280
• Overseas and EU: £18,800

Careers

Social research graduates typically go into careers in the following sectors:

• Charities & social enterprises
• Public administration & institutions
• Private sector of social research
• Business of market research
• Creative industries (incl. media production, journalism, social media content writing, etc.)
• Social rehabilitation & law-related institutions
• Start-ups, research & innovation industries
• Academic research
• Education & teaching

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management