Social Research Methods - MSc

The MSc in Social Research Methods is a degree offering advanced training in social research methods, designed to be flexible to accommodate students arriving with a range of previous methodological training. The core modules offer a strong grounding in research process and quantitative and qualitative methods. The optional modules allow students to build on these and develop more advanced skills in particular methods of interest.

Degree information

This degree is designed to cover the research methods used in collating evidence for the design, critique and evaluation of substantive issues in the social sciences. Students will gain hands-on experience in a range of methodologies used to study issues of interest in the real world. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of methodology to critique existing research, to design their own research, carry out their own analysis and communicate this understanding clearly to academic specialists and non-specialists.

Students study a range of core methods, before specialising in more advanced techniques. Each module is 15 credits and students must take 180 credits in total.

Students take 75 credits in core modules, 45 credits in optional modules and 60 credits for the dissertation.

Core modules - students spend their First Term studying a range of core methods, before specialising in more advanced techniques in their Second Term. Exemptions may be given from some introductory modules for students with a strong background in a particular methodology.
-Introduction to Data Analysis
-Introduction to Regression Analysis
-Introduction to Qualitative Methods
-Survey Design
-Systematic Review Design and Planning

Optional modules - students take three of the following advanced optional modules. Students who gain exemption from any core modules will take optional modules to make up the difference.
-Longitudinal Data and Analysis
-Impact Evaluation Methods
-Using Stata Efficiently and Effectively
-Advanced Qualitative Methods
-Systematic Reviews for Complex Policy Issues
-Research Engagement, Participation and Impact

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered via face-to-face daytime lectures, seminars and practical computer workshops. Assessment is through coursework assignments and a 10,000-12,000 word dissertation.

Careers

Graduates of this Master's degree are currently working as:
-University and college lecturers and researchers
-Civil servants
-Third sector employees
-Teachers
-Journalists
-Social researchers
-Market researchers

Employability
There are a range of employers seeking students with suitable skills in research including government departments, academic institutions, the media, and financial organisations (particularly for financial analysis and marketing).

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Social Science is a research intensive department with world leading experts in quantitative methodology and a broad range of social science subjects. We have a lively community of staff, PhD, MSc and undergraduate students, involved in seminars, workshops and reading groups in addition to formal teaching which you will be free to join.

One of the department’s many specialisations is in applying quantitative methods to data to inform policy on education, health, labour markets, human development and child/adult wellbeing.

The department’s staff have a broad range of interests, which includes expertise in economics, sociology, psychology, social statistics, survey methods and data collection, mixed-methods research, and the techniques of policy evaluation.