- Social Research
MSc — 2025 entry Social Research
The MSc Social Research prepares you to conduct, commission and evaluate social research to inform policy and practice in the real world. This degree develops your expertise in cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative techniques, research design and communication, aiming to prepare you for a career as social researcher or for PhD studies in social science.
Why choose
this course?
- We focus on “real world” social research training for a variety of destinations, enabling graduates to pursue careers in commercial, government and non-profit settings, or to go on to PhD research.
- The course offers flexibility in full-time/part-attendance and in choice of specialisms across advanced qualitative and quantitative methods.
- The course is forward-looking: we combine a solid grounding in established methods with exploring the latest developments in digital social research.
- The course builds on a strong track record of pioneering teaching and innovation in methods for social research. Social research methods have been taught at Masters level at Surrey for over 40 years.
- Surrey has been home to the Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) Networking Project since 1994, and this underpins our delivery of cutting-edge training in software support for qualitative analysis.
Statistics
Top 10
Surrey is ranked 9th in the UK for overall satisfaction (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023)
Fantastic graduate prospects
100% of our sociology postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA)
What you will study
The MSc Social Research aims to develop resourceful, resilient, reflexive and multi-skilled researchers able to address contemporary social problems in local and global context. Teaching methods include workshops and practical exercises, lectures, seminars, groupwork and one-to- one supervision.
The course begins with a grounding in quantitative analysis and in data collection methods including interviews, observation and survey design, underpinned by an introduction to research and data management skills and to the methodological principles of research design. In the second half of the course you will have a choice of specialist modules in advanced qualitative and quantitative methods and emerging digital methods. An introduction to research in policy and practice builds your skills in the evaluation and communication of research. Finally, you have the opportunity to put it all together by preparing your individual research-led dissertation with the support of a supervisor.
The first semester of study on the MSc has been designed to provide you with the foundations upon which the rest of the course then builds. You will be introduced to foundational qualitative and quantitative research techniques including interviews, observational methods and surveys. You will also develop an understanding of key techniques for quantitative data analysis. We help you to explore the foundations of research design and support you to develop skills in research management, data collection and research communication.
In the second semester you have the opportunity to specialise, with a choice of modules that allow you to deepen your understanding of qualitative and quantitative techniques and to explore the potential of emerging digital methods. In tandem, a module focused on research for policy and practice enables you to develop your skills in responding to real world briefs, designing evaluations and communicating for diverse audiences.
Your studies culminate in a research-led dissertation which allows you, with our supervisory support, to put your skills into practice in an original research project.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits, up to a maximum of 120 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
Qualitative research approaches remain one of the fundamental ways for researchers to access the insights, understandings, and experiences of social groups, as well as to explore their social interactions. This highly practical module provides students with a systematic methodological basis for conducting various forms of qualitative analysis and the opportunity to gain practical experience. The main techniques covered are observation and interviewing, although the module also explores documentary and visual approaches. Observational fieldnotes, interview transcripts, and visual images are collected, analyzed and reported throughout the course of the module. In addition to learning core qualitative research skills the students gain experience of developing a small scale research project and present their findings in a professional way. These skills will equip students to undertake their dissertation research and research projects in their future career.
View full module detailsQuantitative data analysis is one of the key methodological approaches available to social researchers, enabling them to identify and explain important patterns in the social structure of society. In this module, students will learn how quantitative research approaches can be used to describe and explore the social world. Students will learn how to ask questions with quantitative data, will be introduced to the fundamental statistical principles required for making robust and generalisable claims, and will consider theoretical, methodological, and practical issues which have an impact on quantitative research design. Students will also learn how to collect and analyse quantitative data, covering issues of sampling and descriptive statistics, as well as being introduced to general regression approaches. Emphasis throughout the module will be on intuitive understanding and practical considerations, rather than rigorous derivation, and on hands-on practical experience with R, the world’s leading statistical software package.
View full module detailsSuccessful development as a social researcher requires a range of skills beyond the technical aspects of research methods alone. Students on the MSc Social Research programme will need to develop skills in accessing and organizing information and will require an awareness of the broader context in which social research operates, including how social research is governed and communicated. The content of this module is both important to underpin success on the programme and atudents¿ future research careers. This module offers students the opportunity to explore an important set of skills and awareness to support their research and to reflect on how to deploy these skills in the context of their own. The module is strongly focused on personal development, with assessment comprising a personal development portfolio of entries responding to each of the skills and awareness topics.
View full module detailsSocial researchers need to understand the assumptions that underpin the methods that they use. From this module students will develop an in-depth understanding of the role and importance of conceptual and methodological issues in research design. Students will be exploring some of the philosophical concepts and assumptions that underpin the practice of research, and some aspects of the relationship between theoretical frameworks and different methodological approaches to empirical research. The module will help students to understand the theoretical underpinnings of different approaches to research methods including, positivism, empiricism, realism and interpretivism and debates over the relations between structure and agency, knowledge and research technique. The primary purpose of Methodological Issues in Research Design is to equip students to make informed choices with respect to their research. We will explore the research process from different points of view and students will come out of the course with both a better understanding of some of the choices open to them as researchers and with an informed perspective from which to make those choices.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Social researchers work in a variety of settings to produce robust, reliable and timely information about the social world. Some of this research is designed to fill a gap in knowledge or respond to a social challenge with actionable insights into the nature of the challenge or underlying mechanisms. Other forms of social research aim to provide an evaluation of an existing policy or practice, judge value for money of an investment or explore the effectiveness of an intervention. This module enables students to appreciate the variety of ways in which social research interfaces with problems in real world policy and practice, to develop the necessary skills to communicate in this territory and to learn about the specific techniques that are used in evaluation research.
View full module detailsThe dissertation is an extended piece of writing (10,000-15,000 words) which allows the student to work on a topic independently in depth, with appropriate guidance from a supervisor. It enables students to use the social research methodologies developed during the taught programme to explore a criminological or sociological topic of particular interest and to synthesise the skills and knowledge which they have acquired.
View full module detailsOptional
In this optional module on the MSc in Social Research Methods, students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience of the iterative research cycle when undertaking qualitative projects. Using one of the leading digital tools for managing qualitative research projects; NVivo, students will learn how to manage research projects and their analytic work at every stage. They will delve into key considerations in designing projects and implementing analytic plans; from contextualising studies within the relevant literature, through setting research questions effectively, situating studies within appropriate methodological contexts and understanding the implications of doing so, designing appropriate data collection instruments, choosing and applying analytic methods that suit the objectives through the creative and systematic use of NVivo, and collating insights to present an authoritative, trustworthy and engaging narrative of findings for different audiences. The course strengthens core skills needed for qualitative or mixed methods dissertations; and; as one of very few MSc programmes globally that integrates bespoke digital tools for qualitative analysis into methods training, it provides a competitive advantage in the workplace.
View full module detailsWe live in a world where large quantities of data are regularly collected about people, institutions, and social structures. This module will enable students to understand how data science techniques can be used to leverage this data and answer complex questions about the social world. Questions like ‘why some people are more at risk of crime than others?’, ‘what explains differences in life expectancy between countries?’, and ‘do gender inequalities persist in the workplace’. Throughout the module, students will focus on the underlying principles and uses of some of the core data science approaches rather than on the mathematical and statistical theory. Students will therefore develop a solid empirical grounding to be able to critically evaluate the findings from a wide range of quantitative social science research. In the accompanying workshops students will get hands on experience with a number of different social data science approaches in R covering regression approaches for theory testing, machine learning and prediction models, and matching algorithms for quasi-experimental designs. Students will also get a good understanding of how to interpret the results from these approaches and how they can be applied in practice.
View full module detailsWe live in an increasingly digital world, with many of the issues of interest to a social researcher reflected in ¿born digital¿ data. Students taking this module will explore an array of established and emerging approaches within social science that are making use of this digital data. The digital landscape is fast-evolving and requires responsible and resilient researchers, able to adapt to new circumstances and new tools and to think critically about what data represent. Students will be encouraged to take an exploratory approach, developing both skills in the use of currently available tools and the ability to adapt to emerging situations. These skills will be underpinned by a commitment to responsible use of digital data in the interests of robust social science, and students will be encouraged to develop sophisticated and imaginative understanding of potential ethical issues raised by digital data.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Choose 2 from 3 listed optional modules
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
Qualitative research approaches remain one of the fundamental ways for researchers to access the insights, understandings, and experiences of social groups, as well as to explore their social interactions. This highly practical module provides students with a systematic methodological basis for conducting various forms of qualitative analysis and the opportunity to gain practical experience. The main techniques covered are observation and interviewing, although the module also explores documentary and visual approaches. Observational fieldnotes, interview transcripts, and visual images are collected, analyzed and reported throughout the course of the module. In addition to learning core qualitative research skills the students gain experience of developing a small scale research project and present their findings in a professional way. These skills will equip students to undertake their dissertation research and research projects in their future career.
View full module detailsSuccessful development as a social researcher requires a range of skills beyond the technical aspects of research methods alone. Students on the MSc Social Research programme will need to develop skills in accessing and organizing information and will require an awareness of the broader context in which social research operates, including how social research is governed and communicated. The content of this module is both important to underpin success on the programme and atudents¿ future research careers. This module offers students the opportunity to explore an important set of skills and awareness to support their research and to reflect on how to deploy these skills in the context of their own. The module is strongly focused on personal development, with assessment comprising a personal development portfolio of entries responding to each of the skills and awareness topics.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
Social researchers work in a variety of settings to produce robust, reliable and timely information about the social world. Some of this research is designed to fill a gap in knowledge or respond to a social challenge with actionable insights into the nature of the challenge or underlying mechanisms. Other forms of social research aim to provide an evaluation of an existing policy or practice, judge value for money of an investment or explore the effectiveness of an intervention. This module enables students to appreciate the variety of ways in which social research interfaces with problems in real world policy and practice, to develop the necessary skills to communicate in this territory and to learn about the specific techniques that are used in evaluation research.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Choose 2 from 3 listed optional modules
Year 2
Semester 1
Compulsory
Quantitative data analysis is one of the key methodological approaches available to social researchers, enabling them to identify and explain important patterns in the social structure of society. In this module, students will learn how quantitative research approaches can be used to describe and explore the social world. Students will learn how to ask questions with quantitative data, will be introduced to the fundamental statistical principles required for making robust and generalisable claims, and will consider theoretical, methodological, and practical issues which have an impact on quantitative research design. Students will also learn how to collect and analyse quantitative data, covering issues of sampling and descriptive statistics, as well as being introduced to general regression approaches. Emphasis throughout the module will be on intuitive understanding and practical considerations, rather than rigorous derivation, and on hands-on practical experience with R, the world’s leading statistical software package.
View full module detailsSocial researchers need to understand the assumptions that underpin the methods that they use. From this module students will develop an in-depth understanding of the role and importance of conceptual and methodological issues in research design. Students will be exploring some of the philosophical concepts and assumptions that underpin the practice of research, and some aspects of the relationship between theoretical frameworks and different methodological approaches to empirical research. The module will help students to understand the theoretical underpinnings of different approaches to research methods including, positivism, empiricism, realism and interpretivism and debates over the relations between structure and agency, knowledge and research technique. The primary purpose of Methodological Issues in Research Design is to equip students to make informed choices with respect to their research. We will explore the research process from different points of view and students will come out of the course with both a better understanding of some of the choices open to them as researchers and with an informed perspective from which to make those choices.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The dissertation is an extended piece of writing (10,000-15,000 words) which allows the student to work on a topic independently in depth, with appropriate guidance from a supervisor. It enables students to use the social research methodologies developed during the taught programme to explore a criminological or sociological topic of particular interest and to synthesise the skills and knowledge which they have acquired.
View full module detailsOptional
In this optional module on the MSc in Social Research Methods, students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience of the iterative research cycle when undertaking qualitative projects. Using one of the leading digital tools for managing qualitative research projects; NVivo, students will learn how to manage research projects and their analytic work at every stage. They will delve into key considerations in designing projects and implementing analytic plans; from contextualising studies within the relevant literature, through setting research questions effectively, situating studies within appropriate methodological contexts and understanding the implications of doing so, designing appropriate data collection instruments, choosing and applying analytic methods that suit the objectives through the creative and systematic use of NVivo, and collating insights to present an authoritative, trustworthy and engaging narrative of findings for different audiences. The course strengthens core skills needed for qualitative or mixed methods dissertations; and; as one of very few MSc programmes globally that integrates bespoke digital tools for qualitative analysis into methods training, it provides a competitive advantage in the workplace.
View full module detailsWe live in a world where large quantities of data are regularly collected about people, institutions, and social structures. This module will enable students to understand how data science techniques can be used to leverage this data and answer complex questions about the social world. Questions like ‘why some people are more at risk of crime than others?’, ‘what explains differences in life expectancy between countries?’, and ‘do gender inequalities persist in the workplace’. Throughout the module, students will focus on the underlying principles and uses of some of the core data science approaches rather than on the mathematical and statistical theory. Students will therefore develop a solid empirical grounding to be able to critically evaluate the findings from a wide range of quantitative social science research. In the accompanying workshops students will get hands on experience with a number of different social data science approaches in R covering regression approaches for theory testing, machine learning and prediction models, and matching algorithms for quasi-experimental designs. Students will also get a good understanding of how to interpret the results from these approaches and how they can be applied in practice.
View full module detailsWe live in an increasingly digital world, with many of the issues of interest to a social researcher reflected in ¿born digital¿ data. Students taking this module will explore an array of established and emerging approaches within social science that are making use of this digital data. The digital landscape is fast-evolving and requires responsible and resilient researchers, able to adapt to new circumstances and new tools and to think critically about what data represent. Students will be encouraged to take an exploratory approach, developing both skills in the use of currently available tools and the ability to adapt to emerging situations. These skills will be underpinned by a commitment to responsible use of digital data in the interests of robust social science, and students will be encouraged to develop sophisticated and imaginative understanding of potential ethical issues raised by digital data.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Choose 2 from 3 listed optional modules
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of semester.
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from Academic Administration.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
The University of Surrey has an excellent record for graduate employability.
Our Social Research MSc offers preparation either for doctoral studies or for careers in social research.
The programme develops the skills that would be expected on entry to doctoral research in the social sciences. In particular, the programme responds to the expectation that social science doctoral students will have understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches and emerging digital techniques and will also understand how to apply research in practice to real world problems.
Beyond academic careers, social researchers work in a variety of settings.
- In central and local government social researchers are pivotal in providing insights to underpin the development and evaluation of policy.
- Social researchers are employed by specialist research agencies such as the Office of National Statistics, National Centre for Social Research, Ipsos and Kantar.
- Social researchers are also engaged in developing and evaluating strategy across a wide array of charities, non-governmental organisations and commercial settings.
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in Social Sciences.
English language requirements
7.0 overall with 6.0 in individual components.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Pre-Masters
Prepare for postgraduate study and boost your career prospects. This is an intensive programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language preparation designed to help you succeed.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2025 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
September 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2025-26 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
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ApplyPlease note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
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