About this course
Learn how to investigate social issues and gather statistical evidence on this MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics degree at the University of Southampton. Develop the knowledge and practical skills to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research into social issues. When you graduate you’ll be ready for a career in social research, or for continued study at PhD level.
On this UK master’s course you’ll develop in-depth knowledge of applied statistical methods and learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research.
Quantitative research relies on numerical data to identify large-scale trends. Qualitative research uses techniques such as observation, interviews and open-ended surveys to find out why or how something occurs.
You can tailor this course to your research interests or career plans by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. These cover areas such as:
- demography and demographic methods (relating to the structure of populations)
- global health
- gerontology
- qualitative and mixed research methods
The part-time study option for this course will not be running for the 2020/21 academic year.
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 Dr Olga Maslovskaya, Lecturer in Social Statistics and Demography within Economic, Social and Political Sciences. Her research interests include survey research, survey methodology, social statistics, quantitative research methods and demography. Read Dr Maslovskaya's staff profile to find out more about her work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a social science or another subject where you can show evidence of a basic knowledge of quantitative analysis.
Non-graduate qualifications such as the Graduate Diploma of the Royal Statistical Society will also be considered.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
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
On this full-time course you'll study for a full 12 months.
You’ll study the taught part of the course from October to June (semesters 1 and 2). This is made up of modules that everyone on the course studies and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a range of options.
Assessments will take place during both semesters.
During the final 3 months of the course, from July to September, you’ll research and write your dissertation. You’ll be supported by your tutor throughout this process.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
This module introduces students to the main statistical modelling approaches that can handle hierarchical data structures. The module has mainly an applied scope where basic theory is introduced to ensure understanding. Practical computer sessions using M...
This is a postgraduate advanced module in applied statistical modelling designed to equip students with highly sought after employability skills in data analysis. The module will cover a wide range of statistical models including a revision of introductor...
This module will provide you with guidance and support throughout the writing of your dissertation. From discussing your initial ideas of your dissertation through the process of actually writing the document, this module will provide you with the informa...
This module introduces key sources of social science data (both UK and non-UK), and the measurement of key concepts using these data, within a range of substantive areas. In doing so it focuses on the analysis of a number of fundamental social issues – i...
The syllabus for this 10 CATS module will cover an introduction to qualitative methods and a range of qualitative data collection methods. We will consider the defining characteristics of qualitative research and its epistemological underpinnings. The ...
This module focuses on practical aspects of research communication skills including oral presentation, scientific report writing, and statistical and demographic consulting.
Students taking this module will gain first hand experience in the design and management of survey research projects.
You must also choose from the following modules:
This module provides a comprehensive overview of current issues and challenges in global health. Using relevant case studies, it will discuss trends and determinants of both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as assessing possible effec...
The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias ...
This Module provides an introduction to the technical basis of demography. It focuses on concepts and methods underpinning demographic analysis and provides a practical introduction for those professionally engaged with demographic work (in government de...
When planning experiments, it is essential that the data collected are as relevant and informative as possible. The statistical principles for the design of experiments include the choice of optimal or good treatments sets and appropriate replication of t...
This module introduces students to the main concepts involved in epidemiological analyses. The main epidemiological study designs are introduced and two lectures focus on methods used to analyse case-control studies whilst another two focus on cohort stu...
The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of the nature of studies to monitor and evaluate intervention programmes, using examples from Government and other related areas. There is a particular focus on the contribution of statistical m...
This module provides the core methodological and analytic tools underlying the MSc Global Health. The primary objective is to provide an overview of the conceptual, methodological and empirical basis for quantifying levels of health in individuals and pop...
This module will introduce you to the use of mixed methods for approaching and addressing research questions in a range of disciplines within social and human sciences. You will be introduced to the theories of mixed methods, and examine the ways in which...
The module involves lectures and guest lectures from different disciplines. Learning activities include lectures, informal group discussions and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of each session, in order to be ...
This module will look at the dominant traditions in the philosophy of social science and how these have shaped substantive research within the study of the social sciences.
This module will be coordinated and taught by staff in the Division of Social Statistics and Demography for MSc students. PhD students are also welcome to audit this module. The aim of this module is to enhance knowledge and understanding of the inter...
During the module you will develop your key skills in: 1. Assessing the nature of the evidence base on population, poverty and policy issues from a variety of sources; 2. Improved analysis, debate, reading and writing The skills will be developed...
Qualitative Methods II builds upon the material learnt in Qualitative Methods I and addresses a range of specialist qualitative techniques, their underpinning theoretical framework and their practical application.
The aim of this module is to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of ol...
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the statistical aspects associated with the design and analysis of sample surveys, and to develop your understanding of the principles and methods used to design survey sampling schemes. Basic theory underpinn...
Statistical genetics has played a pivotal role in the discovery of genes that cause disease in humans. This module introduces the basic concepts and terms in genetics and demonstrates the use of statistical models to identify disease genes in humans.
This module introduces some of the fundamental ideas and issues of lifetime and time-to-event data analysis, as used in actuarial practice, biomedical research and demography Co-Requisite: MATH6122
This module is an introduction to the substantive concepts of demography, how populations change and grow or shrink, and the transitions that populations make in various stages of their development. An introduction to the past, present and future world po...
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures and seminars
- workshops
- group work
- discussions
- presentations
- project work
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- essays
- critical reviews
- oral presentations
- statistical reports
- exams
- a dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll start your supervised research in June and submit a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation in September. This will be on a subject of your choice, to be agreed with your tutor.
The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of a chosen topic.
Dissertations are usually an analysis of social science data or an examination of a statistical technique.
Past topics include:
- multilevel analysis of child survival in Lesotho
- determinants of poverty in St Vincent and the Grenadines
- child nutrition in Central Asia and Eastern Europe
- the effect of family background on educational achievement
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
After graduating from this master’s course, you’ll be ideally placed for a career as a social researcher in government, national and international organisations, or the private sector.
You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). 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 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £21,000.
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:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
The Population Investigation Committee (PIC) scholarship
If you are considering applying for either MSc Demography or MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics you may be eligible for a PIC scholarship.
Should you be successful in securing a scholarship, and you complete the master's degree, you'll be expected to provide an assessment of your course and you future career plans.
Find out more on the Population Investigation Committee's web pages or contact course lead Dr Olga Maslovskaya directly.
Other postgraduate funding options
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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'll 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
