MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics program at the University of Manchester is designed to equip students with the skills needed to conduct high-quality social research using advanced statistical techniques and research methodologies. This program offers a comprehensive education in social research, focusing on quantitative methods, data analysis, and the application of statistical models to address real-world social issues. Students will gain a solid understanding of research design, survey methodologies, and statistical software tools, making them well-prepared for roles in academia, research institutes, government agencies, or private sector research roles. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research in policy-making, social science, and public health, giving students the knowledge and experience to engage in impactful research projects.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics program at the University of Manchester is structured to ensure students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Core modules cover essential topics such as research design, survey research methods, data collection techniques, and quantitative data analysis. Students will learn to use statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, and R, and engage with advanced techniques like multivariate statistics, regression analysis, and factor analysis. In addition to core modules, students can choose from a variety of electives to specialize in areas such as applied statistics, social policy, or public health research. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students can apply the methods they’ve learned to an independent research project, allowing them to delve deeper into an area of personal interest.
Research Focus: The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics program emphasizes quantitative research methods with a strong focus on the application of statistical techniques to study social phenomena. The research focus of the program is centered on using statistical methods to explore complex social issues, including inequality, health disparities, education, political behavior, and crime. Students are trained in the use of cutting-edge statistical models, with a focus on their application to real-world data. The program’s research focus also includes a deep understanding of survey methodology, sampling techniques, and data collection processes that are vital in producing high-quality, reliable research outcomes. The program prepares students to contribute to the growing field of evidence-based social science, where robust statistical analysis is essential for understanding and solving contemporary social challenges.
Industry Engagement: The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics program at the University of Manchester fosters industry engagement through collaborations with government bodies, research organizations, and private sector companies. Students will have the opportunity to work on applied research projects, gaining valuable experience in translating academic research methods into practice. Industry partnerships also provide opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and collaborative research projects that allow students to gain real-world insights into the research process. By engaging with professionals from a range of sectors, students can build networks that enhance their career prospects. Additionally, the University of Manchester’s strong connections with policy-makers and public health organizations ensure that students’ research has a direct impact on decision-making processes and societal development.
Global Perspective: The MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics program at the University of Manchester incorporates a global perspective, preparing students to apply their research skills to social issues on an international scale. Students are encouraged to explore how social research methods and statistics are used to address global challenges such as poverty, climate change, migration, and public health. The program’s international outlook is supported by faculty expertise in global social issues and the use of comparative research to analyze social phenomena across different countries and cultures. By learning to analyze large datasets from international contexts and examining global social trends, students develop a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of social systems worldwide. This global perspective is vital for students who aspire to work in international organizations, NGOs, or multinational research projects.
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 program from the University of Manchester are well-equipped to pursue a range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Their expertise in quantitative research, statistical analysis, and data interpretation makes them highly sought after in both public and private sectors.
Social Researcher: Graduates can work as social researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, or research organizations. They conduct surveys, gather data, and use statistical analysis to study social issues such as health, education, inequality, and behavior. Their research helps to inform public policy and social interventions.
Data Analyst: With strong expertise in data collection, analysis, and statistical modeling, graduates can pursue careers as data analysts. They use software like SPSS, Stata, and R to analyze complex datasets, identifying trends and patterns in areas such as market behavior, public opinion, and social issues. Many data analysts work for research organizations, government agencies, or private companies.
Policy Analyst: Graduates with a background in social research and statistics can become policy analysts, working with government agencies or think tanks to analyze data related to social policies. They assess the effectiveness of policies and provide data-driven recommendations to address issues such as healthcare, housing, and social welfare.
Market Research Analyst: Graduates can enter the field of market research, where they analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and social preferences. By applying advanced statistical methods and research techniques, they help businesses and organizations understand customer needs, preferences, and buying habits, ultimately supporting strategic decision-making.
Public Health Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers in public health, using statistical methods to analyze health data, identify risk factors, and develop strategies for improving health outcomes. Public health researchers often work for government health departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Quantitative Analyst (Quant): Graduates with strong mathematical and statistical skills can work as quantitative analysts, particularly in the finance sector. They use complex statistical models and programming techniques to analyze market data, assess financial risk, and predict market trends, working for investment banks, hedge funds, or financial consultancy firms.
Academic Researcher: For those interested in pursuing further study, the MSc program provides a solid foundation for a career in academia. Graduates may continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs and later become academic researchers or professors. They can contribute to the development of new social science methodologies and theories, and publish influential papers in their field.
Statistical Consultant: Graduates can work as statistical consultants, offering their expertise to companies or research projects that require specialized statistical analysis. They may help organizations collect, analyze, and interpret data for various applications, including product development, social policy analysis, and healthcare research.
Government Analyst: Many MSc graduates work as analysts in government agencies, where they help to interpret social data for the formulation and evaluation of public policies. These analysts may focus on issues such as crime, unemployment, and social inequality, using their skills to support decision-making processes in local, regional, or national governments.
Social Policy Advisor: Graduates with expertise in both social research and statistics can become social policy advisors. These professionals analyze social data and trends to inform government policies aimed at improving societal welfare. They may work for national or international organizations, advising on policies related to poverty alleviation, education reform, or social justice.
Non-profit and NGO Researcher: Graduates can work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or social enterprises, conducting research to support their missions. They may analyze data related to social causes such as human rights, environmental issues, or global health, helping NGOs to assess their programs and improve their impact.
Business Intelligence Analyst: In the private sector, graduates can work as business intelligence analysts, using their research skills to analyze business data, market trends, and customer behavior. They help companies make informed decisions, optimize operations, and enhance profitability by providing insights from large datasets.
Social Media Analyst: With a growing focus on digital behavior, graduates can become social media analysts, interpreting data from social networks and online platforms. They use statistical tools to analyze user engagement, sentiment, and trends, helping companies and organizations tailor their digital marketing strategies.
Criminal Justice Analyst: Graduates can also pursue careers in criminal justice research, analyzing data on crime patterns, recidivism, and the impact of criminal justice policies. By applying statistical models, they help law enforcement agencies and policymakers develop strategies to improve public safety and reduce crime.
Data Scientist: For those with a strong background in programming and advanced statistical methods, becoming a data scientist is another career option. Data scientists build algorithms and predictive models to analyze big data, often working in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or consumer behavior analytics.
