MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science program at the University of Manchester is designed to equip students with the technical and analytical skills needed to apply computational techniques to social research. The program blends advanced social research methodologies, statistical analysis, and computational tools to explore complex social phenomena. Students will gain proficiency in quantitative data analysis, computational modeling, and the use of machine learning techniques to understand patterns in social behavior, politics, economics, and more. This interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates for careers in social research, data science, public policy, and academia, enabling them to address contemporary social issues through innovative computational techniques.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science program is structured to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge. Core modules focus on statistical techniques, research design, data analysis, and computational methods for social science. Students will study topics such as survey research methods, multivariate statistical analysis, machine learning, and network analysis. Elective modules allow students to specialize in areas like social media data analysis, computational modeling, and big data analytics in social science research. The program also includes practical applications where students use real-world datasets and cutting-edge computational tools to conduct social research, ensuring they are well-prepared for employment in a variety of research settings. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students apply their acquired knowledge to undertake independent research, contributing to the field of computational social science.
Research Focus: The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science program emphasizes research that combines traditional social science methods with advanced computational techniques. The research focus is on the application of computational models and statistical methods to analyze social behavior, human interactions, and societal trends. Students will explore topics such as social network analysis, social media analytics, agent-based modeling, and computational simulations to understand complex social phenomena. The program's research focus includes analyzing large-scale datasets, such as those collected from social media platforms, mobile apps, and public databases, providing students with the opportunity to conduct research on pressing societal issues such as political polarization, social inequality, and public health. Faculty members are involved in high-impact research projects and often collaborate with students on ongoing studies, enhancing the learning experience and research opportunities.
Industry Engagement: The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science program at the University of Manchester has strong links with industry partners, including government organizations, research institutes, and technology companies. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to engage in real-world research projects and internships, gaining hands-on experience with social data and computational techniques. Students may collaborate with industry experts on projects related to public policy, urban planning, social media trends, or data-driven decision-making. Through workshops, guest lectures, and networking events, students can build professional connections that enhance their career prospects. Industry engagement ensures that graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce, with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to apply computational social science methods in diverse settings.
Global Perspective: The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science program adopts a global perspective by considering the implications of computational social science across various regions and cultures. Students will study how computational tools and social research methods can be used to analyze global challenges, such as migration, environmental sustainability, digital democracy, and inequality. The program encourages students to examine social issues from an international standpoint, with the possibility of engaging in collaborative projects that have a global impact. Moreover, the curriculum includes comparative research on how different societies use computational methods to understand social dynamics, allowing students to develop a more nuanced understanding of how data and technology intersect with social problems worldwide. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to apply computational social science techniques to global research and policy challenges.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 31000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
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 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- 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.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science program at the University of Manchester are highly skilled in data analysis, computational modeling, and social research, positioning them for diverse and dynamic career opportunities. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, combining computational social science, statistical analysis, and social research methods, opens doors to a wide range of professions across various sectors.
Data Scientist/Analyst: With expertise in computational methods and social data analysis, graduates can pursue careers as data scientists or analysts. In these roles, they apply machine learning, statistical techniques, and big data analytics to analyze and interpret complex social data, such as user behavior, social media interactions, and trends in public opinion. They are employed by tech companies, research organizations, and government agencies to provide data-driven insights.
Social Researcher: Graduates can work as social researchers, applying statistical and computational techniques to study human behavior and societal issues. They may be employed in academia, government departments, or research agencies, conducting studies on topics such as political behavior, social networks, health disparities, and social inequality. Social researchers design surveys, analyze data, and provide insights to inform public policy and social interventions.
Computational Social Scientist: Computational social scientists specialize in using computational techniques to study social phenomena. These professionals use data mining, agent-based modeling, and network analysis to examine issues like social media influence, economic inequality, or the spread of misinformation. They are often employed by universities, think tanks, or large corporations working on social and behavioral analytics.
Policy Analyst: Graduates with expertise in computational social science and statistics can work as policy analysts, helping governments, NGOs, and international organizations to create data-driven policies. They analyze demographic, economic, and social data to assess the impact of potential policy changes and provide recommendations to address issues such as healthcare access, education, and poverty alleviation.
Public Health Analyst: Public health organizations and government bodies often hire graduates to analyze health data and assess the social determinants of health. Public health analysts use computational methods to explore how social factors like income, education, and social networks influence health outcomes. Their work helps inform public health strategies and interventions aimed at improving population health.
Market Research Analyst: Graduates can work in the private sector as market research analysts, using their skills in social data analysis and computational modeling to study consumer behavior, market trends, and economic forecasts. They help businesses make informed decisions on product development, marketing strategies, and customer engagement by analyzing large datasets from surveys, social media, and online activity.
Urban Planner: As urban planners, graduates can use demographic data and computational techniques to analyze how populations are distributed and how cities are evolving. They may work for local government bodies, advising on urban development, housing needs, infrastructure planning, and sustainability projects. Their research helps shape the future of urban environments and services.
Digital Media Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers as digital media analysts, examining online behavior and social trends across platforms like social media, blogs, and websites. They use computational tools to identify patterns in consumer engagement, sentiment analysis, and digital behavior. Digital media analysts work with marketing teams, media companies, and research organizations to understand the influence of digital media on public opinion and behavior.
Academia and Research: For those interested in pursuing further academic qualifications, graduates can continue to PhD programs in fields related to computational social science, social research methods, or statistics. Academic careers provide opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, publish findings, and contribute to the development of new theories and methodologies in social science research.
Social Network Analyst: In this role, graduates focus on studying the structure and behavior of social networks, analyzing how individuals, groups, or organizations interact and influence one another. They use computational methods to map networks, analyze relationships, and examine the spread of information or behaviors. Social network analysts are employed in fields such as marketing, public relations, public health, and social policy.
Consultant for Social Impact Organizations: Graduates can become consultants for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or social enterprises that require data-driven insights into social issues. They use their skills to conduct research on topics such as education, poverty, and migration, providing actionable recommendations to improve social outcomes through evidence-based policies and strategies.
Technology and Software Development Specialist: Graduates can work with tech firms as specialists in developing tools for social research and data analysis. They may help design software applications for collecting and analyzing social data, building platforms for data visualization, or creating new algorithms for understanding complex social systems. These roles blend social research with software development and computational skills.
