This Masters course provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to carry out robust social research and evaluation.

You’ll learn how to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity. You’ll also critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research. Finally, you’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between research and policymaking.

Our MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies, as well as preparing you for an ESRC-recognised interdisciplinary PhD in Families, Relationships and Demographic Change and Social Care.

You’ll graduate with the skills you need for a career in research, research management or research commissioning in the public, voluntary or private sectors.

Employability is an important focus of the course, and over the past five years many of our graduates have entered social research-related careers in the public, voluntary and private sectors, with others continuing their academic study and undertaking a PhD.

• Gain research skills relevant to the public, private or voluntary sectors
• Build experience and professional connections during a research placement
• ESRC accreditation opens up future opportunities for academic study