Based at the Manchester Metropolitan University Q-Step Centre in the Department of Sociology, this MSc approaches the study of quantitative methods in an innovative way. Right now, there is a demand for graduates with quantitative skills, and it is a demand our students are equipped to meet. Students studying on this MSc will be ready to pursue a career involving quantitative research skills within a diverse range of organisations. Students will also be prepared for doctoral study, which requires advanced skills on quantitative methods recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and other research councils.

The course focuses on the development and application of key quantitative methods and analytical techniques. It focuses on the use of quantitative methods within real world contexts and a key aim is to develop graduates' career-ready skills in this field.

Manchester Met’s Q-Step Centre is recognised as a centre for excellence in the teaching and training of quantitative methods, with a national and global reputation for its pedagogy. It has innovative research partnerships with a range of local organisations, and the community research projects run by the centre look to build on current knowledge to develop new strategies, aimed at empowering and transforming communities.  You will be taught by research active academics from Q-Step and other multidisciplinary research centres including Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), Manchester Centre for Youth Studies, Big Data Centre in Sociology Department and this real-world research feeds directly into what they will be taught. The international research experience of the centre is embedded into the course content and delivery of the course is enhanced by incorporating cross-comparative survey data in lab activities and assessments. You will also have the opportunity to do your dissertation in collaboration with projects being carried out with these centres' international research partners. You will also be exposed to a variety of different perspectives and views within the discipline through lectures, seminars, talks and workshops delivered or co-delivered by international experts.

This course also offers a unique opportunity to develop a specialism in key research fields informed by the specialisms within the various centres within the Department. Depending on your individual programme of study you will either graduate with: 

+ MSc Applied Quantitative Methods
+ MSc Applied Quantitative Methods (Impact Evaluation)
+ MSc Applied Quantitative Methods (Big Data Analytics)
+ MSc Applied Quantitative Methods (Longitudinal Data Modelling)
+ MSc Applied Quantitative Methods (Participatory and Creative Research) 

All of these specialisms can be taken with the addition of a placement year.

The programme will be a considerable asset to postgraduates wishing to pursue a career involving quantitative research skills within a diverse range of organisations including:

• the public sector
• the private sector
• the voluntary sector
• businesses
• academia
• think tanks
• research centres
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Quantitative Skills (QS) underpin evidence-based planning and practice in the public, private and many other sectors. However, over two thirds of employers in the UK identify a shortage of QS among employees. Numerical and analytic skills are highly prized in a diverse range of careers; and quantitative skills are transferable between workplaces and sectors across the UK. There is a global shortage of quantitative skilled workers and our graduates are ready to fill this skills gap.

Students will also be prepared for doctoral study, which requires advanced skills on quantitative methods recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and other research councils