MSc Sociological Research

Course overview

• Discover a course that provides a thorough grounding in advanced quantitative methods taught within an applied social science framework
• Gain an understanding in learning methods of data analysis, including advanced statistics for complex data
• Benefit from a skills-based course with practical training that is highly regarded for future employment within government and academia

Open days

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.

On this day, you will find out more about the School of Social Sciences and our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see open days and visits .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2019, the tuition fees are as follows:

• MSc (full-time)
• UK/EU students (per annum): £9,500 
• International students (per annum): £18,500
• MSc (part-time)
• UK/EU students (per annum): £4,750 
• International students (per annum): £9,250

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.

Scholarships/sponsorships

We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students.

In addition, the Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class bachelor's degree and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.

For more information, see fees and funding or search the University's postgraduate funding database .

• Faculty of Humanities/School of Social Sciences - Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme

Entry requirements

_{English language}

• IELTS - overall score of 7, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5
• TOEFL IBT 103 with 28 in writing and no further score below 25 in each section.
• TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757

Scores are valid for 2 years.

For students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, your test score is valid for 2 years preceding the course start date.

Please note that CAS statements are issued only when all conditions of the offer have been satisfied, PDF copy of passport received and the offer accepted.

Applicants from certain countries MAY be exempt from having to provide an IELTS or TOEFL score. For further advice please email [email protected]

_{English language test validity}

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

_{Other international entry requirements}

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country .

Application and selection

_{How to apply}

Apply online

_{Advice to applicants}

If you are a current undergraduate student at the University of Manchester, you may be eligible to apply via the 'Fast-Track' scheme. Email [email protected] for further information.

International applicants who require a visa to study in the UK can obtain up-to-date information on the latest student visa advice and guidelines.

To request a copy of the postgraduate prospectus for the School of Social Sciences, email [email protected] .

_{How your application is considered}

Applications are initially assessed by the Admissions Team and referred to the Admissions Tutor when required.

Teaching and learning

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time route.

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory modules and then select your optional modules to suit your requirements.

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your module choices during induction week with your Course Director.

Coursework and assessment

You are assessed by course work, mainly via 3,000 word essays or the equivalent, plus a 12,000 word dissertation.

Course unit details

Throughout the MSc Sociological Research course, you will take six course units, which are:

• research design;
• social theory;
• cultural identity;
• methodological issues;
• quantitative methods; and
• Qualitative methods.

Plus two optional course units, including:

• politics and culture;
• protest and progress: understanding movements for social and political change;
• cultures of digital play; and
• New developments in theories of gender and sexuality.

You may also negotiate an independent studies course unit, linked to your particular research interests, subject to a suitable academic supervisor being available. You would need to complete a 12,000 word dissertation, on a research topic of your choice, in addition to the eight taught course units

Career opportunities

By teaching and developing a considerable range of transferable skills, this course enables you to keep open a wide range of career options.

Students who complete the MSc Sociological Research course are suitably placed to pursue PhD study. In addition, you will be skilled to pursue a wide-range of graduate level occupations, and social research careers in public, private and voluntary sectors.

As a School of Social Sciences postgraduate at Manchester, you will have access to a variety of careers support tailored to your career of further study.

Visit the MSc Sociological Research page on the University of Manchester website for more details!