About this course
On our MSc Social Research Methods master's course, you’ll learn how to undertake high-quality research work, process and analyse data, and collaborate effectively in different disciplines. We’ll train you in a range of research methods to prepare you for PhD study. After graduating, you’ll go into your PhD with the confidence and creativity to conduct ground-breaking research in the social sciences.
This UK master’s degree is for students who have gained funding for PhD research from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP).
We’ll train you in a range of research methods to prepare you for PhD study. In addition you’ll gain subject-specific knowledge in one of the areas covered by the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (a collaboration between the universities of Southampton, Brighton and Portsmouth).
After graduating from this course you’ll be able to:
- define your PhD research topic and defend your approach in a written proposal
- carry out in-depth research in the social sciences
- understand research methodologies, research design and the philosophy of social science
- understand the key debates and issues in your PhD subject area
- work in an interdisciplinary research environment
- think and evaluate critically
The pathway you’ll take on this master’s course depends on your area of PhD study and where you’ll be based for your PhD. All of the pathways are listed in the programme specification, which you can download on this page. The pathways are all based in Southampton, apart from where noted in the specification.
You’ll only be eligible for this course if you have successfully applied for funding from the SCDTP on its 1+3 training pathway (masters and PhD). Visit southcoastdtp.ac.uk for more information.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Professor Michael Vlassopoulos, Professor of Economics. He is widely published in areas including racial discrimination, prosocial motivation, charitable giving and online privacy has been published in leading academic journals. Read Professor Vlassopoulos’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
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 an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
This is a list of typical modules available on this course. Please read the programme specification to find out which modules you'll study on your pathway. You can download the programme specification in the 'About this course' section.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers
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 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service 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 vibrant 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
Fees, costs and funding
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.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least two weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
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.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
