Program Overview

Overview of the Social Research Methods MSc

The Social Research Methods MSc provides essential training for employment where an understanding of social research is important, as well as for further academic research in a social science discipline.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Start date: September
• Location: Canterbury

Course Structure

The course is designed to give students advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve their ambitions. The following modules are typically studied:

• Critical Social Research: Truth, Ethics and Power
• Design of Social Research
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Dissertation Optional modules may include:
• Geographical Information Systems
• Ethnography
• Critical Policy Evaluation
• Researching the City: An Exploration of Urban and Sensory Research Methods
• Key Issues in Global and International Policy
• Comparative Public Policy
• Negotiation and Mediation

How You'll Study

Teaching and assessment focus on applied skills and real-life scenarios, key in engaging students and making hard to teach skills easier to grasp and develop. All assessments, lectures, and seminars are designed to cultivate skills and enable students to apply knowledge in ways closely resembling the practices of independent social researchers in academia and beyond.

Research

Academic staff at Kent share a number of interests, grouped for guidance. Research areas include:

• The Civil Society
• Cross-National and European Social Policy
• Health and Social Care
• Migration and Ethnicity
• Risk and Uncertainty
• Work and Economic Life The School also has several research centres that bring together experts in the field, co-ordinate research, organise talks, and offer opportunities for postgraduate students to get involved in discussions and research projects.

Your Future

A postgraduate degree in the area of social and public policy is a particularly flexible and valuable qualification that can lead to many exciting opportunities and professions. Recent graduates have pursued careers in academia, journalism, local and central government, charities, and NGOs.

Fees and Funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:

• Full-time: £10,000 (UK), £19,300 (EU and International)
• Part-time: £5,000 (UK), £9,650 (EU and International) For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see the Student Finance Guide.

Next Steps

To apply, you can choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time. The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services, and other matters may be subject to change. For more information, see the terms and conditions.