About this course
On this MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics degree, you’ll Learn how to investigate social issues and gather robust statistical evidence. You’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills you need to carry out both quantitative and qualitative research into social issues.
This master’s course in social research methods and statistics, will help you develop in-depth knowledge of applied statistical methods and machine learning methods. You’ll learn how to design and deliver research using both qualitative and quantitative research.
Quantitative research relies on numerical data to identify large-scale trends. Qualitative research uses techniques such as observation, focus group discussions, and interviews for in-depth understanding of why or how something occurs.
Alongside your core modules, you can tailor your degree to match your research interests or career plans by choosing from a wide range of optional modules. These include:
- demography and demographic methods
- global health
- gerontology
- qualitative and mixed research methods
- machine learning
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to start your career in quantitative and qualitative social research, or to continue your studies at PhD level.
Flexible study
If you study this course part-time you will not be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan. 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.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
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.
Learn more about this subject area
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.
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 is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.
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
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Advanced Statistical Modelling
This is a postgraduate advanced module on statistical modelling with an emphasis on how to apply different methods to real world problems. In particular, approaches to handle hierarchical data structure (i.e. multi-level data) are the main focus of the mo...
Applied Statistical Modelling
This is a postgraduate module in applied statistical modelling which is designed to equip students with highly sought after employability skills in data analysis. The module will cover a range of techniques, starting with introductory statistics and stati...
Key Topics in Social Science: Measurement and Data
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 – in...
Project/Dissertation
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...
Qualitative Methods
This module aims to provide postgraduate students with an understanding of the role and application of qualitative methods within social science research. The module will include a focus on the issues that arise in the design, generation, analysis and ev...
Research Communication Skills
This modules teaches the basic principles of research communication skills. It covers essential scientific writing skills including, organization of written material, presentation of quantitative information, citation and referencing, and academic integri...
Survey Design and Data Quality
Students taking this module will gain first-hand experience in the design and implementation of surveys and how to investigate and explore issues with data quality from these surveys.
You must also choose from the following modules :
Critical Issues in Global Health: Concepts and Case Studies
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...
Demographic Methods 1
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 dep...
Demographic Methods 2
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 ...
Design of Experiments
A well-designed experiment is an efficient way of learning about the world. Typically, an experiment may involve varying several factors and observing the value of a response at settings of combinations of values of these factors. The mathematical challen...
Epidemiological Methods
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...
Evaluation and Monitoring
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...
Methods and Analysis of Global Health Trends and Differentials
The primary objective of this module is to provide an overview of the conceptual, methodological and empirical basis for quantifying levels of population health focusing on low income countries. More specifically, the module covers: •The conceptual un...
Perspectives in Gerontology
This module introduces you to the study of Gerontology as an interdisciplinary subject. You will be familiarised with the main theoretical perspectives and approaches to the study of ageing and the life course. You will examine the causes and consequences...
Population and Reproductive Health
In this population and reproductive health module, we take a global perspective to learn about the interrelationships between the health of contemporary populations and demographic, social, economic, and health processes. The course structure and syllabus...
Population, Poverty & Policy
During the module you will develop your key skills in: 1. Understanding and exploring the associations between population, poverty and policy issues in a range of countries and setting 2. Analysing complex information and producing well-argued and s...
Researching Ageing Societies
The aims of this module are 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 ...
Statistical Genetics
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.
Survival Models
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
Understanding Population Change
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 and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
banking charitable,
counselling and voluntary organisations,
Law Firms,
local and central government,
media companies,
marketing and PR firms,
the NHS,
police and probation services,
schools,
colleges and universities,
social and market research organisations,
financial services,
market research<br>.
- Actuarial analyst
- Actuary
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Financial risk analyst
- Investment analyst
- Market researcher
- Operational researcher
- Statistician
- Business analyst
- Chartered accountant
- Economist
- Financial manager
- Financial trader
- Insurance underwriter
- Machine learning engineer
- Palaeontologist
- Research scientist (maths)
- Research associate:#Data analyst
- Actuarial analyst
- Data scientist
- University lecturer
- Finance analyst
- Policy advisor
- Researcher
- Statistician
- Technical consultant
Job prospects for MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and 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 and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £10,400.
- EU and international students pay £26,200.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.
If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. 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.
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.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 2 September 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
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
References are not required for this programme.
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.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
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