Social Research Methods  MSc

Overview

City's Social Research Methods MSc course offers practical training in social research methods and analysis. We aim to equip you with an understanding and appreciation of both qualitative and quantitative research methods across a range of disciplines with technical competence in the use of leading edge technology.

The core and optional modules give you advanced knowledge of social research methods as well as an insight into how research methodologies are applied to the analysis of both theoretical and policy issues.

Our course delivery has been described by previous external examiners as 'setting the gold standard for research methods training'.

We conform with the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) model of fully rounded training for research.

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £7,500
  • Part-time EU: £4,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £11,500

Start Date:

24 September 2012

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

You should have (or expect to gain) a first or second-class honours degree in social science, health, media studies or a related discipline. We also welcome applications from those with equivalent professional qualifications and occupational experience.

Other Suitable Qualifications

INTO Postgraduate Preparation Programmes

If you do not qualify for direct entry, INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion to the required standard of the Graduate Diploma in Business, Law and Social Science at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.

Kaplan International College (KIC) London

Additionally, the University works in partnership with KIC London to provide preparatory courses for international students.  Foundation and Pre Masters courses at KIC London offer comprehensive support to students including regular one-to-one tuition. Progression to the University is guaranteed if you complete the KIC London course at the required level.

English Requirements

If your first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required:
  • IELTS: an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest
  • TOEFL (internet based): 100 - 105

INTO English Language Programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Please click the links below for more information:

Visa Requirements

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Start Date:
24 September 2012
Duration:
One year full-time. Two years part-time

Course Content

Academic staff on the course cover a wide variety of substantive interests including: social research methodologies, social theory, human rights, the study of the life course, youth, early old age, sexual behaviour, social attitudes, criminology, race and ethnicity, migration, media and communication, refugee studies, governance and globalisation.

There are excellent employment opportunities for graduates of this course in academic research, central and local government agencies, public health, the voluntary sector, market and media research and management consultancy.

The course also offers the ideal foundation if you want to pursue doctoral research in the social sciences.

Course Structure

Core modules:

Elective modules:

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching:

We will teach you through a mixture of lectures, class discussions and seminars, student presentations, analysis of case studies and interactive computer-based exercises, particularly in relation to the quantitative elements of the course.

Assessment:

We will assess you by means of written coursework and examinations. Elective options are usually assessed by coursework alone.

Fees

  • Full-time EU: £7,500
  • Part-time EU: £4,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £11,500
Please note that, for part-time courses, the tuition fee is likely to increase by a small percentage in subsequent years.

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

Career Prospects

Over 85% of City's 2009 Research Methods graduates were in employment or further study 6 months after graduation.

Graduates from these courses are well placed to find employment in research-based organisations or may want to use this as a foundation for further research study.

There are excellent employment opportunities in academic research, central and local government agencies, public health, the voluntary sector, market and media research and management consultancy.

Find out more about City University London

Application Deadline

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications will close when the course is full, so you are encouraged to apply early.

MSc Social Research Methods

To apply you will need to submit:

  • A completed application form (either electronically or by post)
  • Two references (at least one should be from an academic referee)
  • A certified copy of your undergraduate academic results and degree certificate
  • Proof of English proficiency (if you are not a native English speaker, or someone who has not been taught in English for their first degree subject)

Applicants are encouraged to apply online and either upload or email scanned copies of their supporting documents for convenience.

The application form and reference form can also be downloaded via the following link:

If you require a hard copy of the application pack (containing an application form and reference forms) then please email your name, address and the name of the programme to the Programme Administrator along with your request. 

Return the completed form to:

Tatiana Dias
Department of Sociology
School of Social Sciences
City University
Northampton Square
LONDON
EC1V 0HB