Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education

MSc in Social Research

Postgraduate - Taught MSc

Open for admission in 2024/25

Start in September

Qualification	Full time	Part time
MSc	1 year	2 years

About the course

This postgraduate programme aims to create highly sought-after researchers who are ready to apply their advanced knowledge and practical skills in the workplace or on further research.

You will learn how to collect, analyse and interpret social data and become skilled in interview techniques, surveys, problem-solving, communication skills and the latest industry software.

Students examine issues from across the social sciences and are introduced to both quantitative and qualitative research methods before having the option of specialising.

You will research real world issues, such as evaluating local health care services, predicting voting behaviour during elections or researching the impact of Hull’s year as the 2017 UK City of Culture on local people.

Taught by experienced researchers who are experts in their fields, the interesting and varied curriculum will be delivered through an enquiry-based approach to teaching including small-group work, tutorials, workshops and independent study.

It was designed with input from industry experts, former students and leading academics to ensure that it meets the demands of the modern social research industry.

Students will be provided with a high level of academic support across the programme.

What you'll study

Core modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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.
Introducing Statistics and Data Analysis with SPSS

Gain the transferable skills in the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to enable you appropriately use, meaningfully present and accurately interpret univariate and bivariate statistical analysis in an effective and informative way.
Philosophies of Social Science
Surveys and Questionnaires

The module will give you a complex understanding of what is required in the management and successful execution of survey work, and an awareness of the different forms a survey can take.
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.

Optional modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

Analysing Qualitative Data

This module takes a hands on approach to familiarise you with some of the most commonly employed data analysis methods in qualitative research.
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.

Apply now

Postgraduate events

Where you'll study

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

Our teaching staff

Dr Alexander Ornella

Dr Alice Rizzuti

Dr Bev Orton

Leticia Couto

Dr Meron Wondemaghen

Dr Ruth Butler

Fees and funding

Home £10,500

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

International £12,000

On courses where a part-time study option is available, fees are charged pro-rata to the full-time fee, according to the number of credits being studied.

International applicants may need to pay a tuition fee deposit before the start of the course. Visit our tuition fee deposit page for more information.

Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship

Are you an undergraduate at Hull? You could claim a 25% discount on the cost of your postgraduate tuition fees.

Am I eligible?

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Research real-world issues - evaluating local health care services and predicting voting behaviour in elections.

Learn how to collect, analyse and interpret social data and become skilled in interview techniques, surveys, problem-solving, communication skills and the latest industry software.

Right from the start, you'll gain practical skills that social scientists use to investigate and explain our constantly changing world.

This programme was designed with input from industry experts, former students and leading academics to ensure it meets the demands of the modern social research industry.

Entry requirements

The programme is open to applicants with at least 2:2 Bachelor Honours degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline.

In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

Language requirements

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you must provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other accepted English language proficiency qualifications.

If your English currently does not reach the required standard, you may be interested in our pre-sessional English Language programmes.

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

This programme is an ideal route for those aiming for research careers in the public, voluntary or private sectors, including would-be senior civil servants keen to take advantage of the Government’s Fast Stream scheme to find the leaders of the future.

It equips students with practical skills and experience for a wide range of organisations including research agencies, charities, independent organisations, trade unions, pressure groups and lobby groups.

The programmes also offer continuing professional development for those already working as researchers and who want to advance their careers. It is also an excellent training programme for those wishing to progress to PhD level study.