MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods programme at Heriot-Watt University provides excellent training in Research Methods in the social and behavioural sciences and prepares students for a career in research, whether in academia, industry, or government.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Programme Overview

During the Master's programme, students will develop advanced research skills and techniques within Social Sciences. They will understand the principles of research design and strategy and be able to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation. Students will be able to understand and apply a broad range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative, and will use appropriate software for their application.

Course Structure

• In semester 1, students will undertake research methods courses which provide a foundational understanding of how to do research in the Social Sciences, as well as introducing them to qualitative and quantitative research.
• In semester 2, students will have the opportunity to choose four optional courses from across the School of Social Sciences within the broad disciplines of Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Psychology, as well as courses designed to cut across disciplines.
• Each of these courses will equip students with highly employable expertise and skills in research methods.
• Students are strongly encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach in choosing their optional courses and develop their broad research skills, but they can also choose to follow a specific disciplinary pathway.
• The dissertation in semester 3 will allow students to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination based on their core interest, whether it is an independent project in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, or Psychology.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion, students will be able to use a significant range of professional skills, techniques, and materials to understand the application of good ethical practice across the entire research process. They can go on to Doctoral study after graduation, work in research consultancies, government offices, or charities. The career opportunities are numerous.

Your Student Experience

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide students' learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as management consultants, tax and finance specialists, practitioner psychologists, translators, and interpreters. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

• Mandatory courses:
  • Research Methods 2: The Qualitative Researcher
  • Research Methods 3: The Quantitative Researcher
• Optional courses (September):
  • Research Methods 1: An Introduction
  • SGSSS Core: Becoming a Confident Social Science Researcher
• Optional courses (January):
  • Big Data Analytics
  • International Accounting Theory
  • Network Analysis for Business
  • Systems Thinking and Analysis
  • Econometric Methods for Economic Research
  • Discourse Analysis
  • Advanced Experimental Design
  • Advanced Statistics using R
  • Empirical Financial Modelling
  • Comparative Financial Reporting
  • Applying Psychology in Real-World Contexts
• Optional courses (May):
  • Independent Project in Psychology
  • Accounting, Banking or Finance Dissertation
  • Dissertation

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: £10,864
  • International: £21,872
• Note: The residency status is usually defined as the country where the student has been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of their course.
• International includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The university offers a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with them. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in a Social Sciences subject area.
• Examples of suitable degrees include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Psychology, Languages and Intercultural Studies, Political Sciences, and Sociology.
• The university welcomes applications from international students and accepts qualifications from around the world.
• English language requirements:
  • The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.
  • If the student does not have IELTS 6.0, the university offers a range of English language courses to help meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing their studies.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.