Social Research Methods

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

This MA provides research training with a specific focus on developing the skills needed to examine and analyse how societies, cultures, institutions and practices came into being, how they are organised today and how they continue to change. You’ll be part of a department at the forefront of research that supports social justice. We aim to give you a stimulating and supportive environment where you can explore what it means to be social, where society might be heading and how we can shape our shared futures.

World-leading experts from across the social sciences teach our programmes, and a specialist in your chosen area will supervise your independent research project. You’ll gain advanced research and communication skills, along with the ability to think analytically. These are vital for a successful career across many sectors and also provide an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study.

You’ll study the politics and practice of social research, looking at the role of the social scientist and the opportunities and challenges of different approaches. We’ll also introduce you to the debates that have shaped the relationship between method and knowledge, and how these continue to influence the social sciences today. This master’s has Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 recognition status and is designed for those intending to pursue professional or academic research in sociology, social policy or criminology.

It will equip you to examine how societies, cultures and institutions came into being, how they are organised now and how they continue to change. This master’s is suitable for graduates in the Social Sciences or related areas. It is an excellent step for those who want to progress to postgraduate study at MPhil and PhD level, or pursue a career as an independent social researcher.

Key highlights

Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 recognition status
Taught by experts from across the social sciences
Independent research project supervised by a specialist in your area
Explores the politics and practice of social research
Builds advanced research, communication and analytical skills
Prepares you for MPhil and PhD study

Entry requirements

Degree: 2:2 — Postgraduate entry requirements: We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution.

Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships
E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies
The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.
Up to £5,000
Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary
The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Hodgson Law Scholarship
Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates
If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.
Up to £7,000
Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships
Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.
Up to £1,000
Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries
Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.
MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships
Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship
50% tuition fee discounts are available.
Up to 50% of fees
Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies
The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.
MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM
Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.
Up to £12,500
Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies
Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.
Up to £4,000
Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations
The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship
£5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.
Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

Independent social researcher
Social research officer
Social policy researcher
Criminology researcher
PhD researcher in sociology

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £12,500; Part-time: £6,250 | International: Full-time place, per year - £28,000; Part-time: £14,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now