| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA | Full-time | 12 months | September | GBP 8000 total | GBP 18500 total |
| MA | Part-time | 24 months | September | GBP 8000 total | GBP 18500 total |
Develop the skills and knowledge to produce meaningful social research with this challenging programme.
Core modules will teach you how to turn social research issues and questions into workable research designs, as well as handling quantitative and qualitative data and issues such as ethics and funding applications. You'll also have the chance to specialise through a choice of optional modules, allowing you to focus on research in topics such as disability studies, care, social policy analysis, criminology and evaluation of programmes and policies.
This taught programme has recently been redesigned to meet the new postgraduate training and development guidelines of the ESRC, meaning it stands alone as an MA but will also prepare you for doctoral research in this dynamic field of scholarship. You'll be well prepared to become a specialist social science researcher, supported by expert tutors across our active research centres and institutes.
Research insight
You'll learn in a research-intensive, stimulating environment. As well as the Leeds Social Sciences Institute which fosters collaboration, you'll benefit from the interdisciplinary expertise hosted by the Centre for Disability Studies, Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies, Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies and many others. All of these centres run their own calendars of events such as workshops and seminars.
Find out more about Research in the School of Sociology and Social Policy.
Student profile
“The wealth of resources available, including opportunities for training and skills-development and their accessibility has been really striking. The interdisciplinary expertise is also noteworthy.” Read more Kamalika Jayathilaka, MA Social Research
Course content
At the start of the programme you'll build your knowledge of research design, learning to connect abstract theoretical and methodological perspectives with practical research strategies. Sampling and selection, choosing the right data collection and analysis methods, the ethics and politics of research design and creating research proposals will all be among the topics you explore.
You'll also have the chance to deepen your subject knowledge with your optional module. You could focus on crime, social policy analysis or evaluative research as well as disability studies, care or social thought.
In semester two you'll begin intensive training in analysing quantitative and qualitative data. You'll learn to use statistical software, design surveys and questionnaires and record, code, organise and manage qualitative data. You'll evaluate different research methods, understanding the benefits, limitations, and ethical implications of each one and when to use them.
By the end of the programme in September, you'll submit a research project that puts the skills you've gained into practice - and perhaps lay the foundations of your future research.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
For more information on typical modules, read Social Research MA Full Time in the course catalogue
For more information on typical modules, read Social Research MA Part Time in the course catalogue
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to develop the research skills and theoretical knowledge you need. These include seminars, tutorials, and presentations. You'll also attend practical sessions and workshops where you'll get to grips with data analysis. Independent study is also vital to this programme, allowing you to refine your skills and prepare for your taught sessions.
Assessment
You'll experience different assessment methods, including presentations, literature reviews, research proposals and essays. In data analysis modules, you'll be expected to analyse and engage with data within your essays. We offer plenty of support with aspects such as academic writing.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in sociology, social policy or a related subject across the social and human sciences.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Sociology and Social Policy admissions team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:
Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).
How to apply
There is no deadline for applications for this programme, but we advise you to apply before the end of July where possible.
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you need
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
School of Sociology and Social Policy Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
UK/EU: £8,000 (total)
International: £18,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
In the last decade there has been enormous growth in social research, leading to an increasing variety of career options. There are a number of different research environments, such as academic departments, third sector organisations, private research organisations and governmental agencies - all of which have distinctive research cultures.
There is an increasing emphasis on the production of high quality, rigorous and meaningful research by professionally trained researchers. We designed the MA in Social Research to provide such training, and the course will interest people pursuing, or enhancing, a research-related career in a wide range of settings.Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
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