MSc Applied Social Research
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 - 24 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website.
Introduction
This Masters course provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to carry out robust social research and evaluation.
You’ll learn how to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity. You’ll also critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research. Finally, you’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between research and policymaking.
Our MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies. Its provision is also appropriate for ESRC-recognised interdisciplinary PhD projects or pathways.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 Learn under the expert guidance of world class researchers
#2 Gain a research qualification recongised by the ESRC for PhD research
#3 86% overall student satisfaction with MSc Applied Social Research (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2022)
Curriculum
Course objectives
The objective of our MSc Applied Social Research is to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity. Your studies will enable you to:
- critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research
- examine issues concerning social research design and the application of techniques of research analysis
- develop your understanding of the relationship between research and policy, and the meanings of evaluation, its terminology, practice and use.
Professional accreditations
Our MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies. Its provision is also appropriate for ESRC-recongised interdisciplinary PhD projects or pathways.
Course details
Boost your research skills and expand your knowledge with in-depth postgraduate modules and a dissertation project.
The MSc in Applied Social Research requires 120 credits in taught modules (usually by taking six 20-credit modules) and a dissertation (worth 60 credits). The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Research requires 120 credits in taught modules.
Teaching
Teaching methods are designed for each module to help you develop new skills and make continuous progress. You’ll participate in lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer-based workshops and group work. If you're studying the course full-time, you'll usually take three modules per semester. If you're studying part-time, you'll usually take one or two modules per semester.