Social researchers work in a variety of settings, including commercial market research organizations, central and local government, and independent organizations such as charities, lobbying groups and trade unions. The social researcher calls on a range of qualitative and quantitative methods to explore attitudes and experiences and to understand large and small scale patterns of social behaviour. The MSc in Social Research Methods is designed to prepare students for this kind of work. The degree also forms an excellent foundation for conducting a PhD in social science, and many of our students do go on to study for a doctorate.

Course Information

The Department of Sociology has been running formal training in social research methods for over 30 years. Many leading experts across the social research field have previously graduated with an MSc degree in Social Research Methods from the University of Surrey, and our students remain highly sought after owing to their ability to think logically and in an informed manner about social problems, together with their skills in designing, conduction and managing effective research to address them. Recent graduates have been appointed to posts in the Home Office, the Department of Health, the Office for National Statistics, the National Centre for Social Research, and market research companies such as BMRB.

People enter the MSc in Social Research Methods from a variety of backgrounds. Some have a good degree in Sociology or another social science; others come from a different discipline altogether, whether in the humanities or the natural sciences. Some have recently graduated, others are returning to further education at a later point in their life. Part time students may already be working in relevant careers, and choose to take the MSc as part of their professional development in order to cement their formal skills across the range of research methods. For all students it is a stimulating and demanding course. At the end of it, almost without exception, people feel that they have worked harder than they would have though possible and, as a result, are enormously better equipped to undertake research.

The course is designed to enable students to:

• obtain a thorough knowledge of both the methods of data collection and the main quantitative and qualitative methods of analysing data available to the social researcher
• understand problems of designing, executing & evaluating research projects
• experience the process of research through participation in a group research project
• link social research to social policy formulation and administration, including the evaluation of planned social intervention.

The degree is taught within an active and prestigious research environment. The Department of Sociology at the University of Surrey undertakes innovative and internationally recognised research in a wide range of substantive areas including ageing and gender, sociology of childhood, social stratification, criminal justice, language and interaction, media and new technology, health and illness and the environment. The expertise of staff covers the full range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and the Department of Sociology has a strong track record in methodological innovation.

Further information is available on the University prospectus pages or by contacting the Programme Director Dr Jane Fielding or:

Richard Sandiford
Postgraduate Taught (MSc) Admissions
Department of Sociology
University of Surrey
Guildford GU2 7XH

Tel: +44 (0)1483 689453
Fax: +44 (0)1483 689551
email: pgsoc@surrey.ac.uk