Program Overview

MA Social Research

The MA Social Research is a postgraduate degree that provides students with a thorough understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The course is designed for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in research, whether in academia or in the public or private sector.

Course Overview

The MA Social Research degree combines core modules in research methods with options modules from a range of subject specialisms. The course is taught by academics from the Faculty of Health and Education and the Department of Sociology, providing an interdisciplinary mix of expertise.

Features and Benefits

• Independent research: The final assignment is an independent research project on a topic of the student's choice.
• Training and development: The course is designed to meet the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) postgraduate training and development requirements.
• Collaboration: The course is delivered in collaboration with the White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP), providing access to funding for UK students.
• Thriving research community: Students are taught by research-active staff with expertise in different disciplines across the Faculty of Health and Education and the Department of Sociology.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

The MA Social Research degree is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP). Applicants are eligible to apply for 1+3.5 studentships to fund their MA and subsequent PhD.

Course Structure

The course is available full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). The course structure includes:

• Term 1 modules:
  • Principles and Debates in Social Research
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research
  • Introduction to Quantitative Research
• Term 2 modules:
  • Disciplinarities: Researching Beyond Boundaries
  • Professional Skills for Researchers
  • Two option modules that develop the student's ability to critically engage with published research and develop their own research skills
• Term 3 modules:
  • Independent Research Project

Option Modules

• Further Qualitative Methods: This module provides students with the skills needed to engage critically with contemporary theoretical trends in qualitative research.
• Further Quantitative Methods: This module provides an introduction to further quantitative social science research methodology and design.
• Subject specialism options: Available on request.

Core Modules

• Professional Skills for Researchers: This module provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their current level of skills development and cover a range of sessions provided through attendance on workshops or online via the Research Student Skills Development Programme.
• Introduction to Quantitative Research: This module provides students with an appreciation and experience of the theoretical underpinnings and practical application of common quantitative tools and techniques.
• Introduction to Qualitative Research: This module introduces students to a variety of qualitative research approaches for the investigation of human and more-than-human worlds.
• Principles and Debates in Social Research: This module introduces students to key principles and debates in relation to the design and practice of research.
• Disciplinarities: Re-searching Beyond Boundaries: This module explores how more expansive understandings of issues in social science research are developed through cross-, inter-, and transdisciplinary working.
• Independent Research Project: This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of independent research or define and plan a substantial and in-depth piece of enquiry.

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 55% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 45% independent study
• Part-time: 55% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 45% independent study
• Assessment: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 UK Honours degree or an alternative postgraduate or professional qualification recognized as being equivalent to a 2:2 UK Honours degree
• Eligible applicants will be invited to attend an online or in-person interview with the programme lead
• Language requirements: Overseas applicants require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 and no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Full-time fee £10,250 per year; part-time fee £1,709 per 30 credits
• EU and non-EU international students: Full-time fee £20,000 per year; part-time fee £3,334 per 30 credits
• Additional costs: Optional estimate £400 for books, printing, and a laptop

Careers Support and Prospects

The course is ideal preparation for PhD study or a research career in academia or other sectors. Alternatively, the course equips students for entry-level positions requiring social research skills in the public, private, or third sectors.

Research Areas

The Faculty of Health and Education has a range of research working groups and runs regular research seminars. All members of the teaching team are experienced social researchers investigating topics such as early years, social work and social care, multisensory methods, computer gaming cultures, young people's alcohol consumption, and children's wellbeing.