Program Overview

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MRes Social Research

Course summary

The MRes Social Research course focuses on research specialisms encompassing sociology, social policy, politics, criminology, education studies, urban studies, youth studies, and cultural studies. Students learn social research methods and the supporting theories and philosophies, develop areas of specialist interests to integrate into their methodological training, discuss research issues with students from other postgraduate and doctoral courses, and critique current developments and conduct their own original research.

How you learn

The course includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD. Several recent students have gone onto doctoral level study. Students can also take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or certificate (PgCert) in Research Methods in Social Science.

Students learn through:

• Essays
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Research proposals

Applied learning

Work placements

The entire MRes programme is geared towards applied learning – providing the skills (methodological, analytical, theoretical and practical) students need to manage real-world research projects. These skills will be showcased in their extended dissertation.

Beyond this, students have the opportunity to arrange a two-week long work placement with one of Sheffield Hallam University’s externally facing research centres – such as the Centre for Development and Research in Education, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, and the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies. This will give them valuable insight into the world of policy-oriented research.

In addition to this, students will also be able to access the Professional Skills for Research Leadership programme of events, which provides advice and skills for those seeking to pursue research careers inside and outside of academia.

Live projects

In the Sociology subject group, staff conduct real-world research projects and publish academic books and articles in a wide range of areas. These include postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality, research methods and reflexivity, addiction and recovery, health policy, social class and class identities, employment and welfare reform, protest and policing, evaluation of educational interventions, subcultures and consumption.

Staff from Sociology have been submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Sheffield Hallam University is also part of the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council to recognise excellence in the delivery of research methods instruction.

Networking opportunities

Alongside their fellow MRes Social Science students, students benefit from a learning environment where they share some classes with doctoral students – giving them the opportunity to debate, share ideas, and organise reading and study support sessions.

Competitions

Students have an opportunity to gain experience in the dissemination of research – by presenting their research projects at the annual Postgraduate Research and Early Careers Research Poster Conference and Competition.

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation (Social Sciences)
• Philosophies Of Research: Classical Social Theory
• Philosophies Of Research: Contemporary Social Theory
• Principles Of Methodology: Positivist Tradition
• Principles Of Methodology: Social Constructionism
• Qualitative Research 1
• Survey Method 1: Design And Application

Elective modules

• Discourse And Linguistic Theory And Analysis
• Qualitative Research 2
• Survey Method 2: Descriptive Analysis And Statistical Significance
• Survey Method 3: Modelling Survey Data

Future careers

This course prepares students for a career in:

• Social policy
• Research administration
• Senior executive officer positions
• The probation service
• Research and lecturing

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:

• BMI General Healthcare
• Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield
• Graduate Centre, Sheffield Hallam University
• Department for Education and Employment
• National Probation Service

Equipment and facilities

Sheffield Hallam University has invested over £100m in new facilities in the last five years, to help students study how and when they want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by students.

Where will I study?

Students study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support their learning.

Entry requirements

• Typically a 2.2 degree in a suitable subject. For example, sociology, social policy, criminology, cultural studies, youth studies, education, politics, urban studies, human geography, community studies, subcultural studies, audience studies, health policy, sexualities, policing, and drug rehabilitation.
• International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas.

Fees and funding

• Home students: £10,620 for the course
• International/EU students: £17,725 for the course
• Postgraduate student loans: Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.