MSc Social Science Research Methods (Educational Studies)

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Educational Studies) at Cardiff University are well-equipped to pursue a wide variety of roles across the education sector, both in research and practice, with ample opportunities to impact educational policy and development globally.

Educational Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as researchers in educational settings, contributing to the development of educational policies, teaching strategies, and curriculum development. These roles are often found in universities, think tanks, and governmental organizations focused on education.

Policy Analyst: With the program’s strong emphasis on research methods and education, graduates are well-equipped to work as policy analysts. They can join governmental and non-governmental organizations to evaluate and inform educational policies based on evidence and research.

Lecturer/Academic Staff: The MSc provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue an academic career. Graduates can go on to work as lecturers or academic staff in higher education institutions, teaching and conducting research in educational studies.

Educational Consultant: Some graduates may choose to work as independent consultants, advising schools, colleges, or educational authorities on improving educational practices, curriculum development, and research-based teaching methods.

Data Analyst in Education: Given the program’s focus on both qualitative and quantitative research methods, graduates are well-positioned to work as data analysts within educational institutions, analyzing trends, outcomes, and performance metrics to support evidence-based decision-making.

School Administrator: With research skills and an understanding of educational systems, graduates can move into roles within school leadership or administration, where they can manage educational programs, assess educational performance, and implement changes based on research findings.

Research Officer in Educational NGOs: Graduates may work with international or national NGOs focused on educational development, conducting research on education access, equality, and reform efforts in diverse cultural contexts.

Curriculum Developer: Graduates with a focus on educational studies and research methods may also work as curriculum developers, creating new materials or improving existing curricula to meet educational standards or target specific learner needs.

Educational Psychologist (with further study): Though additional training is required, graduates of the MSc program can pursue a career in educational psychology, using their research expertise to assess and support students' learning and mental health needs.

PhD Researcher: Many graduates go on to pursue doctoral studies, using the skills learned in the MSc program to contribute original research to the field of education. A PhD can lead to roles in academia, research institutions, or education-focused organizations.