Methods of Social Research, MA, PG Cert, University of Kent

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MA, PG Cert	Full-time, Part-time	1 year	September	0	find out

About Methods of Social Research, MA, PG Cert - at University of Kent

This MA programme at Kent exposes students to a wide range of thinking and approaches in social science research presented in a multi-disciplinary context and at an advanced level.

The focus of the programme is on developing practical skills in data collection, in data analysis and interpretation, and in the presentation of research findings so that students gain insight into the research process from design to the production of new knowledge.

More generally students will broaden their understanding of the philosophical, theoretical and ethical issues that matter in research, and will become aware of debates about the relationship between theory and research and between research and policy/practice.

It is possible to study certain individual modules from the MA on a Standalone basis. They provide a taster and introduction to studying Methods of Social Research, and if you wish to continue studying, you can use the credits from your taster modules to work towards a qualification in Methods of Social Research (PCert or MA). Costs for standalone modules can be found on the Kent Online store (please note that you must submit an application (link below) before paying for a module on the online store).

Apply to study a Standalone module

Our School has a long and distinguished history and is one of the largest and most successful social science research communities in Europe. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of our Social work and social policy research was classified as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' for impact and environment.

The School supports a large and thriving postgraduate community and in 2010 distributed in excess of £100,000 in Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) quota awards, and in University and SSPSSR bursaries and scholarships to new students.

Academic staff specialise in research of international, comparative and theoretical significance, and we have collective strengths in the following areas: civil society, NGOs and the third sector; cross-national and European social policy; health, social care and health studies; work, employment and economic life; risk, 'risk society' and risk management; race, ethnicity and religion; social and public policy; sociology and the body; crime, culture and control; sociological theory and the culture of modernity.

Course location:

Canterbury

Learn more about Methods of Social Research, MA, PG Cert - at University of Kent

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Entry requirements

Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Kent

Kent offers a range of funding opportunities, including full awards to support doctoral researchers and students undertaking a taught Master’s at our locations in the UK and Europe. We also offer several scholarships to support our international students including GREAT British Council and Chevening Scholarship awards. Our Research Council doctoral training partnerships give you access to a range of funding and research networks. Check out our bursaries and scholarships and see if you’re eligible.

For students starting a postgraduate taught course in  January 2025 or September 2025  at one of our UK campuses, we have several scholarships available. Check if you are eligible to apply and get more information on our scholarship’s webpages

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Inspirational teaching - Patrique Tanque from Brazil is studying for a BSc in Forensic Chemistry.

“Choosing Kent was an easy decision. The forensic programmes are ranked among the best in the UK and have a high graduate employment rate.

“The teachers bring fresh ideas and up-to-date materials from real cases to enrich the lectures. They are keen to help out and always make sure we are getting plenty of support.

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Academic excellence - Stephanie Bourgeois from France is studying for a BSc in Biochemistry.

“I like the approach to teaching here; academics are happy to answer questions and to interact with students. I find the lectures very motivational, they pique your curiosity and for me the exciting bit is going to the library and pursuing the things you are interested in.

“The lecturers at Kent are excellent. You get to know them well and, as you move through the course, they are able to guide you towards projects, ideas or career paths that they think you will like.”

Specialist research - Sally Gao from China is studying for a PhD in Electronic Engineering.

“I have been very lucky with my supervisor, Professor Yong Yan, who is a world-class expert and the first IEEE Fellow in the UK in instrumentation and measurement.

“Professor Yong Yan has helped me to become a better researcher. I am inspired by his novel ideas and constructive suggestions. Under his supervision, my confidence has grown through such milestones as my first set of experiments, writing my first research paper and attending my first conference.”