Social Research Methods (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a social sciences or related subject.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

The full-time course lasts 12 months, from September to September. 

You'll study the taught part of the course over 2 semesters, lasting a total of 30 weeks. You’ll then spend 3 months completing your dissertation over the summer months. 

The taught part of the course is made up of a combination of compulsory and optional modules. In the week before the first semester starts you’ll meet with your potential PhD supervisors to conduct a training needs analysis. This will inform your choice of modules over the year. 

You might also be able to choose subject-specific master’s modules from across all the institutions, based on the requirements of the proposed PhD research and subject to availability. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• workshops 
• independent study 
• presentations 
• discussions 

Some module content may involve fieldwork or visits to non-academic partners. 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• essays 
• exams 
• problem-solving 
• practical exercises 
• oral presentations 
• dissertation 

Dissertation

You’ll undertake independent research on a topic of your choice, presenting your findings in a dissertation.  

This will allow you to show the skills and knowledge you've learned during the course. You’ll be supported by a dissertation supervisor throughout this time. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

After successfully graduating from this master’s course, you’ll move on to your PhD studies at your chosen institution.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

You must get funding from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership before applying for this course.

Find out if you're eligible on the South Coast DTP’s website.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £24,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship

Two scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Social Statistics and Demography.

Find out more about the Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.  

Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.  

Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000