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. 

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 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

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

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.

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.

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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £19,850.

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

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.

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.

Application deadlines

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, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, 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