Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics (MSc)

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. 

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?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

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. 

Exams will take place at the end of 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.

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-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.

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 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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

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 and EU 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.

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.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

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