Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Book on an postgraduate open day

    KEY FACTS

    • Title
      MSc Social Research
    • Award
      Master of Science - MSc
    • Study mode
      Part-time
    • Duration
      2 years
    • Start date
       September 2012
    • Fees
       See fees information above
Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > postgraduate > MSc Social Research
​Social Research

Programme overview

The MSc Social Research programme offers early career researchers opportunities across the private, public and third sector, to discover and explore a wide range of research areas supported by substantive and methodological expertise in the subject group. It provides opportunities for you to develop a comprehensive and in-depth understanding relating to both conceptual knowledge and practical skills. The programme team and the students conduct research across a diverse range of social science subjects.
 
The programme offers an ideal foundation from which to pursue an academic research career. It is also appropriate for professional development in public or commercial sector research activities. With the emphasis on practical training within the programme it offers excellent opportunities to study individual modules as standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) whilst achieving Masters level credits.
 
The applied and practical nature of the programme is reflected in it achieving the industry recognised Market Research Society Advanced Certificate qualification that can be studied alongside the taught programme.
 
The programme can be taken as a traditional full-time course, part-time or longer over 5 years. This flexibility enables those in the workplace to study for a career-enhancing qualification.
Students are supported by a committed team of academic staff. You can view the range of experience and expertise by visiting our Sociology and Social Policy staff page.
 
For more information about the Social Research programme please visit the Programme structure page.
 
 
 

​What students say

“The programme has been more detailed and challenging than at undergraduate level, and there is a degree of flexibility which means you not only get a broad range of research skills but also the opportunity to study modules in more specific areas of individual interest.” - Clare Waldren, MSc Social Research

"The staff are really welcoming, and there are also opportunities to attend research seminars where you can meet other researchers from around the country. The course has developed my interest in Social Research even further, and I am now thinking about studying for a PhD." - Jo Masson, MSc Social Research

Read more student views.

​Entry requirements

A good honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional qualification. Other applications will be considered depending on experience, motivation and aptitude.

​Duration

1 year full time or 2-5 years part time.
​Social Research Image
 

Programme highlights

  • Professional research-based work placements available as part of the programme
  • Modules can be taken as stand-alone coursesMarket Research Society logo
  • The programme is accredited by the Market Research Society (MRS).  Students are eligible to take the exam for the MRS Advanced Certificate in Social and Market Research.  This is an internationally recognised qualification. 

The skills you will learn are highly prized by a wide range of employers, and many of our postgraduates use the skills they learn with us to develop research as an important aspect of their work, increasing the likelihood of fast-track promotion. The programme also offers the opportunity to spend time in a professional research environment undertaking a short placement or a longer placement attached to the final MSc project report.

If you are contemplating a PhD or wish to develop your research skills prior to settling on a PhD research topic, the programme gives you the essential pre-requisites to equip you for research at this level. Many students find the range of modules we provide on qualitative and quantitative research to be of particular benefit in expanding their confidence as researchers. More generally, this programme will give you the know-how to present your research findings with conviction and authority.

The University has a long and distinguished record of social science research and is the major training outlet for many social science disciplines in the south-west peninsula. The programme gives you the opportunity to learn about social research through practical experience and provides you with real opportunities for original research. The wide range of options enables you to choose a route to meet your own personal needs.