Whether it’s analysing local health care services, predicting voting behaviour during elections, or researching the social impact that Hull winning the 2017 UK City of Culture had on people, this course explores today’s society in all its complexities.
If you’re interested in practical inquiry and scholarship, this is the course for you. You’ll collect, analyse and interpret social data, gain problem-solving skills, strengthen communication and work with the latest industry software.
Designed by industry experts, former students and leading academics, this course looks at social research and real-world issues impacting us all.
About this course
Our MSc in Social Research is the ideal postgraduate course for keen researchers who are naturally curious, interested in complexity, and ready to apply their practical skills in the real world.
Working with passionate lecturers throughout the course, you’ll examine issues across the social sciences, drawing from quantitative and qualitative research methods. The programme uses an inquiry-based approach which encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and independent study in a chosen specialist area within social research.
For those looking to pursue further academic research, there’s an opportunity to progress to a PhD using this course as a solid foundation for multi-disciplinary research.
Module options
For a full Masters degree, you'll study 180 credits over the duration of your course. Some programmes offer a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) qualification or a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) qualification. For a PGDip, you'll study 120 credits, and for a PGCert, you'll study 60 credits.
Filters
Research Design and Methodology
Explore the key features of quantitative and qualitative research designs, including evaluation research. This module enables you to choose appropriate methodological approaches and research design in full awareness of their strengths and limitations, for addressing research questions.
core
20 credits
Quantitative Methods
This module introduces you to measurement, methods and analysis in quantitative methods. You will look at survey and experiments and basic statistical methods and the use of SPSS for data analysis.
compulsory
20 credits
Qualitative Methods
This qualitative module is designed to provide students with a strong understanding of qualitative methods used in social research. You will gain a range of knowledge and skills critical to the responsible and ethical collection of qualitative data.
compulsory
20 credits
Research Impact Evaluation
The module will promote student reflection about research and its impact, by providing you with the critical skills to analyse what is good evidence. You'll be provided with the tools to communicate research with academic and non-academic audiences and develop strategies to measure research impact – two key components when conducting your own research and equally important employability skills.
compulsory
20 credits
Dissertation in Social Research
Conduct a qualitative or quantitative research project, guided by an allocated academic supervisor. You'll be supported through a series of workshops designed to assist you with writing a dissertation, such as; research ethics, methodology and data analysis.
compulsory
60 credits
Policy and Impact
This module introduces students to the use of academic research in the policy process and impact. It examines the difference between academia and the policy process in matters of institutional aims, demands, language, and timeframes, and how these dynamics in turn impact community groups.
compulsory
20 credits
Advanced Quantitative Analysis
This module provides training in the use of relevant statistics software (SPSS and MLwiN) to undertake analysis on a range of statistical modelling techniques, including regression analysis, factor analysis and multilevel modelling. It develops your abilities to critically evaluate quantitative approaches in social and health research.
optional
20 credits
Advanced Qualitative Analysis
The module is essential for students’ ability to acquire key analytic skills necessary to address their chosen research question.
Students who have chosen a qualitative independent project need critical understanding of the methodological rationale and analytic approach in qualitative research and this module provides those skills.
optional
20 credits
Our academics
Taught by experienced and passionate researchers, the course has been designed with input from industry experts, former students, and leading academics to make sure it meets the demands of the modern social research industry.
Dr Alice Rizzuti
Lecturer
Alice’s expertise is in food crime and the involvements of organised crime and mafia-type groups as well as green criminology. She was a Research Associate for the CRIME - Countering Regional Italian Mafia’s Expansion – project.
Dr Meron Wondemaghen
Senior Lecturer
Meron’s research examines the policing of mentally ill people in public spaces, the criteria of criminal responsibility for mentally ill offenders, and human rights principles for those with mental disability.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification
Typical offer
2:2 in any subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Scholarships
We offer a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. They’re awarded for a variety of reasons including academic achievement and/or to help those on lower incomes.
Scholarships and bursaries are separate to student loans. And the best bit is, you don’t pay a penny back.
Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship
University of Hull undergraduates progressing to a taught masters course may receive a 20% discount on the cost of their tuition fees.
Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the University of Hull Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship page.
See more Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships and awards to students at the university to help with their financial load.
To view all of our scholarships and determine whether you're eligible, please visit our Scholarships and Awards page.
Our Facilities
Future Prospects
Studying Social Research is an ideal route for anyone looking to go into research roles in the public, voluntary and private sectors. It’ll prepare you with the requisite skills and experience to work for research agencies, charities, independent organisations, trade unions, and pressure and lobby groups.
The course also offers ongoing development for those already working as researchers and who want to enhance their careers. It’s an excellent training programme for anyone thinking about going on to PhD level study.
Take your career to the next level
Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.
Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
Not ready to apply yet?
We regularly deliver virtual and on-campus events to help you discover your perfect postgraduate course, whether it’s a subject you already love or something completely different. Our events are an opportunity for you to chat to tutors and current students and find out about the career options a postgraduate degree could lead to.
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All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.