Develop a thorough understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Explore theoretical approaches and the challenges of interdisciplinary research. Focus on a specific research project of your choice. 

This masters degree combines core units in research methods with option units across education, childhood and youth, social policy and social work. You’ll gain a broad understanding of social science thinking and practices.

Our MA Social Research degree is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC’s) White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership. UK applicants are therefore eligible to apply for 1+3 studentships to fund their MA and subsequent PhD (see wrdtp.ac.uk for details). After completion of the course, UK students will also be eligible to apply for ESRC +3 awards to fund a PhD, through any of the ESRC’s 14 Doctoral Training Partnerships across the UK. 

EU applicants are normally eligible for a fees only award, unless they have been resident in the UK for 3 years immediately preceding the date of the award.

It’s designed for anyone who’d like to pursue a career in research, whether you’re hoping to go on to PhD study, work as a social researcher in the public or private sector, or are on a career break and interested in exploring social research.

Through this course, you’ll develop the skills to begin your research career and to contribute to wider research communities.

The course is ideal preparation for PhD study, as a route to a research career, either in academia or in other sectors such as government or research consultancies. Alternatively, the course equips students for entry level positions requiring social research skills, in the public, private or third sectors.