Social Statistics: Research Methods with Applied Statistics MSc

Are you passionate about investigating social issues and finding evidence through statistics? If so this programme will train you in applied statistical methods and expose you to the cutting edge of statistical practice, thus equipping you with the necessary grounding both to understand and to contribute to the area. You will also learn how to conduct qualitative research. The Masters in Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics is excellent preparation for a career in social research in government, national and international organizations or in the private sector.

We welcome students with limited background in quantitative methods. You can tailor the course to your interests by choosing from a wide range of optional modules, covering areas such as demography, global health, gerontology and qualitative and mixed research methods.

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

• a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Olga Maslovskaya, Lecturer in Social Statistics and Demography within Economic, Social and Political Sciences. Her research interests include survey research, survey methodology, social statistics, quantitative research methods and demography. Read Dr Maslovskaya's staff profile to find out more about her work.

Course structure

On this full-time course you'll study for a full 12 months.

You’ll study the taught part of the course from October to June (semesters 1 and 2). This is made up of modules that everyone on the course studies and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a range of options.

Assessments will take place during both semesters.

During the final 3 months of the course, from July to September, you’ll research and write your dissertation. You’ll be supported by your tutor throughout this process.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures and seminars
• workshops
• group work
• discussions
• presentations
• project work
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• essays
• critical reviews
• oral presentations
• statistical reports
• exams
• a dissertation

Dissertation

You’ll start your supervised research in June and submit a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation in September. This will be on a subject of your choice, to be agreed with your tutor.

The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of a chosen topic.

Dissertations are usually an analysis of social science data or an examination of a statistical technique.

Past topics include:

• multilevel analysis of child survival in Lesotho
• determinants of poverty in St Vincent and the Grenadines
• child nutrition in Central Asia and Eastern Europe
• the effect of family background on educational achievement

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers

After graduating from this master’s course, you’ll be ideally placed for a career as a social researcher in government, national and international organisations, or the private sector.

You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.