Offering the option to focus on research approaches used in the field of social policy, criminology and sociology, Social Research Methods has the capacity to make a real difference in society.
The MA in Social Research Methods has been designed to provide a broad-based practical grounding in research methods training across the social sciences with a specific focus on the research practices of a chosen field. You can choose to focus on social policy, criminology or sociology.
The course is one of a suite of methods-based postgraduate degrees delivered across the University. Successful completion provides wide-ranging opportunities for interdisciplinary study which can help you transition into enhanced careers in academia, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, charitable organisations, the business sector and more. Alternatively, it can serve as a stepping-stone into social science research.
You will look at the conceptual and practical underpinnings and implications of research, exploring a range of research techniques and the rationale behind them. The MA Social Research Methods will enable you to develop essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative work and to apply those skills to social research in your chosen field. Some combinations of modules (subject to availability) offer recognised training as part of the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership.
The Department of Sociology is home to the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action and the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse. As a student in the Department, your learning will be informed by the ongoing research carried out by experts from the research centres, many of whom are working at the forefront of their field.
Course structure
The course can be studied over 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time).
Core modules:
Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Research introduces contemporary social scientific research from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will explore complex causation and how it is addressed methodologically across different disciplines. The module also introduces design strategies and different disciplinary practices, and considers ethical issues in the conduct of social research, including issues of power and equality.
Quantitative Methods and Analysis develops your knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis. You will learn how to use statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets and to make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena.
Research Design and Process provides training in research design and an understanding of the research process to prepare you for the MA dissertation/PhD research and careers in social research. You will develop an understanding of how to formulate and design a research project, the ethical, political and organisational issues involved in social research, and the processes and stages involved in planning a research project.
Computational Social Science introduces the methodologies used in the rapidly changing landscape of computational social science, from machine learning and complex network analysis to simulation and visual and textual analysis. The module includes a working knowledge of several of the most widely used methods.
Qualitative Methods and Analysis equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to understand, conceptualise and critically appraise qualitative social sciences research, including different approaches to research and design, and analysis of qualitative data. This module helps prepare you to carry out your own qualitative research projects.
The 15,000-word Dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore and write about a suitable subject of your choice under the guidance of a supervisor, and to use the techniques developed in the research modules. It enables you to demonstrate your capacity for independent thought, critical thinking and analysis.
Students also take one thematic 30 credit module, which in recent years has included a choice between modules in:
Social Policy and Society
Public Sociology: Theory and Practice
Criminology: Theory and Critical Issues
In addition, students take an optional module from a range of specialist research modules, which in recent years have included:
Teaching is delivered via lectures to introduce key concepts, theories and debates; discussion-based seminars; interactive workshops; and practical sessions enabling you to learn to use computer software packages with support.
Your contact hours will be supplemented by a substantial element of independent learning, including further reading and research. You will have access to a variety of learning resources, including learning spaces in libraries and teaching rooms, computers, databases, journals and a wide range of textbooks.
All teaching staff are available for two allocated hours each week so you can access additional support. You will also be assigned a supervisor for your dissertation who will provide support through a series of individual tutoring meetings, dissertation workshops and forums.
Assessment
The majority of the MA is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, statistical/computer-based projects, reports, group and individual presentations and research proposals and analyses. The statistics modules may require you to complete specific analyses with more structured instructions.
The 15,000-word dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one third of your credits.
Entry requirements
Normally a second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent.
An undergraduate degree in social sciences is desirable but not compulsory and we welcome students with degrees in arts, humanities and science subjects. You should demonstrate clearly why you are interested in this programme in your personal statement.
Additional requirements
When submitting your online application, you will also need to provide:
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
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