Social Science Research (Social Policy) MSc

Our MSc Social Science Research (Social Policy) programme provides you with a comprehensive overview of the key methodological and philosophical debates that currently shape social sciences. It also provides an opportunity to develop specialised research methods skills in an internationally renowned department for social policy research.

The programme consists of compulsory and optional modules, delivered across four different academic schools within the University, meaning you benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to your studies. The academic schools are:

School of Social Sciences and Humanities
School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences
School of Business and Economics
School of Science

The modules are taught by leading researchers selected for their expertise in the taught research methods and topics.

We are host to the prestigious Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP), which over the past 30 years has developed an international reputation for high quality applied policy research. Most prominently, CRSP is currently involved in the study of the Minimum Income Standard programme.

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is also home to the Centre for Research in Communication and Culture (CRCC). Established in 1991, the centre has since grown to be one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The CRCC’s core topics themes include:

Culture, Economy, and Policy
Language and Social Interaction
Media, Memory, and History
Nations, Migrants, and Citizenship
Political Communication
Social, Political, and Cultural Theory

On completion of the Social Science Research (Social Policy) programme, you will have met the MSc training requirements for PhD funding from the ESRC, opening up the possibility of securing PhD funding from the ESRC.

Who should study this programme?

Those wishing to pursue a career in academia
Social policy practitioners, who wish to both develop and strengthen their applied research skills
Those wishing to conduct research in non-academic public and private sector roles.

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a related discipline.