Program Overview

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Social Science Research Methods MSc

Our Masters in Social Science Research Methods will make you a confident, capable researcher across quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. It features intensive expert-led training and hands-on data projects. You will develop critical data literacy, ethical research practices, and advanced skills in data management. The programme centres on your own research questions, ensuring relevance and engagement.

Why this programme

• This programme combines social science research skills training with subject specialisation making this a flexible and powerful foundation for a PhD and beyond.
• Methods training can be tailored with specialist courses in Criminology, Economic & Social History, Global Health, International Relations, Public Policy, Russian and East European Studies, Sociology, and Urban Research, preparing you for subsequent PhD study or a career in social research.
• Key skills are acquired via several hands-on data projects that develop your skills to become independent researchers.
• We provide you with the space to explore and apply diverse forms of knowledge production related to different social science disciplines, fields and contexts.
• The fully flexible degree structure allows for expert and disciplinary training to be tailored to your interests and career plans.
• Our commitment to research-led teaching ensures that courses reflect the cutting-edge research of our teaching staff.
• Home to several world-leading research centres, the School of Social & Political Sciences boasts highly active research community of scholars.
• The school is a leading centre of research excellence for social and political science, with 90% or more of its research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021.
• Our intensive orientation programme features introductory teaching and guided study sessions, as well as additional support for those learning research methods for the first time.
• This programme is recognised by the Scottish Graduate School for Social Science (SGSSS) on behalf of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as a training Masters on its +1 scheme.

Programme structure

You will take four core and three optional courses. Courses are delivered across two semesters via mix of lectures and tutorials. You will also undertake an independent research project that provides an opportunity for in-depth critical exploration of your chosen subject specialism.

Core courses

• Understanding Society: Critical Social Research 1
• Understanding Data: Critical Social Reseach 2
• Working with Secondary Data: Data Project 1
• Working with Digital Data: Data Project 2

Research project

Choose one:

• MSc Dissertation Project (Criminology)
• MSc Dissertation Project (Global Health)
• MSc Dissertation Project (Sociology)
• MSc Dissertation Project (Urban Studies)
• MSc Dissertation Project (Global Economy)
• MSc Dissertation
• Postgraduate Dissertation (Politics)

Optional courses

• Advanced Regression: Limited and Categorical Dependent Variable Regression
• Art and Science of Surveys: Designing Questions and Analysing Data
• Introduction To Social Theory For Researchers
• Multilevel and Network Analysis in Social, Educational & Public Health Research
• Working with Interactive Interpersonal Data: Data Project 3

Career prospects

This programme offers you the opportunity to either explore a social research career or to continue on your academic journey into PhD study. Outside of academia, the programme provides you with key knowledge and analytical tools relevant to a career in social research.

Career opportunities and pathways

As a graduate of the programme, you will have fully met the training requirements of the ESRC and SGSSS for doctoral students, leaving you well placed to apply for PhD positions, both nationally and internationally, to continue your research studies in alignment with your exit pathway. Graduates who have studied research methods masters in the School of Social & Political Sciences historically have gone on to establish careers as lecturers and researchers across the world.

For those interested in a career outside of academia, the programme provides you with key knowledge and analytical tools relevant to a fulfilling career in social research. Roles in the workplace that graduates would be well-prepared and suited to include:

• International and non-governmental organisations
• Government agencies
• Media
• Think tanks
• Business.

Fees & funding

MSc

Home & RUK

• Full-time fee: Ł11,367
• Part-time fee: Ł1,263 per 20 credits

International & EU

• Full-time fee: Ł26,460

Fee status

• Fee status guidance

Deposits

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of Ł2,000 when an offer is made.

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): Ł370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: Ł350
• Registration/exam only fee: Ł170

Funding opportunities

The University of Glasgow offers various scholarships, including:

• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
• Glasgow Excellence Award (UK)
• Postgraduate Access Scholarship
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU)
• Global Leadership Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships 2026
• India Excellence Award
• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Masters grant
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• Alumni Discount
• The Clan Gregor Society Prize
• Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

Entry requirements

• 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Economic History, Environmental Studies, Geography, International Relations, Development, Law, Management, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, or other Humanities subjects.
• Extensive work experience in Government or a policy-related field may be considered along with a lower degree.
• A personal statement indicating your research interests must be submitted with your application.

English language requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date.
• Other accepted English language qualifications include TOEFL, Pearsons PTE Academic, Cambridge Proficiency in English, and LanguageCert Academic.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree, you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s)
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme
• A copy of the photo page of your passport

Application deadlines

International & EU applicants

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year.

• Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2025 to 5 November 2025
• Round 2 application dates: 6 November 2025 to 17 December 2025
• Round 3 application dates: 18 December 2025 to 4 February 2026
• Round 4 application dates: 5 February 2026 to 25 March 2026
• Round 5 application dates: 26 March 2026 to 13 May 2026
• Round 6 application dates: 14 May 2026 to 8 July 2026

Home applicants

• 21 August 2026