MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MSc Social Research Methods
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc in Social Research Methods at the University of Sussex is a multidisciplinary program that equips students with the necessary tools to conduct high-quality research in various social science fields. The course is tailored for individuals who wish to build expertise in designing, implementing, and analyzing social research projects. Students learn to apply both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to study a wide range of social phenomena, including behavior, culture, inequality, and public policy. The program is ideal for students aiming to pursue careers in academic research, governmental agencies, social policy analysis, or nonprofit organizations.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MSc in Social Research Methods is structured to provide both theoretical foundations and practical research skills. Core modules include topics such as research design, data collection methods, advanced quantitative analysis, qualitative research techniques, and ethical considerations in social research. Students will also gain hands-on experience with data analysis software such as SPSS and NVivo. Additionally, the program includes optional modules that allow students to explore specific areas of social research, such as political science, sociology, or education, tailoring their education to their career interests. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, applying the skills and knowledge they have developed during the course.
Research Focus: The MSc in Social Research Methods is underpinned by a strong research focus, reflecting the University of Sussex’s commitment to cutting-edge research in the social sciences. The university is known for its interdisciplinary research approach, allowing students to engage in studies that tackle pressing global issues such as social inequality, public health, environmental sustainability, and education reform. Sussex’s research centers, such as the Centre for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society and the Centre for the Study of Innovation and Technology, provide a vibrant academic environment where students can work alongside leading researchers. The university also emphasizes the importance of ethical research practices, ensuring that students are well-versed in the moral and ethical implications of their work.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex has strong ties with both academic and non-academic organizations, fostering significant opportunities for industry engagement. The MSc in Social Research Methods is designed to prepare students for careers in government agencies, think tanks, research organizations, and policy institutes. The program has partnerships with prominent research bodies and offers students the chance to undertake internships, fieldwork, and collaborations with industry professionals. This direct link to the practical world of research ensures that students gain valuable real-world experience that enhances their employability upon graduation. Furthermore, students benefit from the expertise and mentorship of faculty members who are active in social research, providing insights into the latest industry trends and challenges.
Global Perspective: The MSc in Social Research Methods at the University of Sussex incorporates a global perspective, with students gaining insight into social research methods from around the world. The program’s curriculum includes case studies and examples from diverse regions, offering a comprehensive view of global social phenomena and research practices. Additionally, Sussex attracts a diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions and fosters a global exchange of ideas. The program prepares students to work in international contexts, whether in global NGOs, international development agencies, or multinational research projects. This global outlook ensures that graduates are well-equipped to address social issues in a rapidly changing, interconnected world.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
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 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MSc in Social Research Methods from the University of Sussex are highly sought after by employers in both the public and private sectors. The program prepares students to engage in high-quality social research, which can be applied to various industries such as government, academia, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and private research firms.
Social Researcher/Analyst: Many graduates go on to work as social researchers or analysts for governmental bodies, policy institutes, or research organizations. They design and conduct surveys, experiments, and qualitative studies to investigate social issues such as poverty, education, crime, and health. They also analyze data to provide insights that inform policy decisions and public opinion.
Policy Advisor/Consultant: With their expertise in research methods, graduates are well-prepared to work as policy advisors or consultants. They help governments, think tanks, and NGOs to develop evidence-based policies on social issues, providing analysis and recommendations based on thorough research.
Market Research Analyst: Graduates with a strong understanding of research techniques can enter the business world as market research analysts. In this role, they design and conduct research to assess market trends, consumer behavior, and product preferences, providing businesses with valuable insights to guide their decision-making processes.
Academic Researcher/PhD Candidate: For those interested in continuing their studies, the MSc in Social Research Methods provides a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD in social sciences or related fields. Graduates may choose to become academic researchers, contributing to the body of knowledge in fields such as sociology, political science, economics, or education.
Program Evaluator: Graduates of the program can work as program evaluators, assessing the effectiveness of social interventions, development projects, or public policies. They use their research skills to evaluate outcomes, measure success, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Public Health Researcher: For those interested in health-related fields, graduates can work as public health researchers. They may investigate social determinants of health, conduct epidemiological studies, or evaluate healthcare policies to improve health outcomes for diverse populations.
Community Development Officer: Many graduates pursue careers in community development, working for local government, NGOs, or social service organizations. They use their research skills to design community-based initiatives, assess local needs, and evaluate social programs aimed at improving the well-being of underserved populations.
Data Scientist/Data Analyst: With a solid foundation in quantitative research methods, graduates are well-equipped to work in data science and analysis roles. They can work in a variety of industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare, analyzing large datasets to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making processes.
NGO Worker/International Development Specialist: Graduates may also pursue careers in international development, working with NGOs or global development agencies such as the United Nations or World Bank. In these roles, they conduct social research to assess the effectiveness of development programs, design new interventions, and advocate for social change.
Social Media and Public Opinion Analyst: With the increasing importance of digital platforms, graduates with expertise in social research methods can pursue careers as social media analysts, using research tools to analyze online behavior, trends, and public opinion for businesses, media outlets, or political campaigns.
