Social Research Methods MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Social Research Methods
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Social Research Methods |
| PGCert | Social Research Methods |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PLE61002 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PLE61006 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Sociology
Programme Leader
HINE Christine (Sociology)
Date of production/revision of spec
18/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- Give students a thorough grounding in all aspects of research design, from the development of research ideas, through the collection of data, to the analysis of results and dissemination to different user groups
- Make students aware of the range of secondary data sources available and equip them to evaluate its utility for their research
- Provide access to expert training in a variety of cutting edge approaches to social science research
- Drawing on more than 40 years of expertise in research methods training, the MSc in Social Research Methods (SRM) provides you with the tools to answer key questions about the social world. Combining in-depth discussion of theoretical issues with hands on practical sessions using cutting edge qualitative and quantitative research software, graduates of SRM will enter the workplace with the skills necessary to succeed in any social research organisation. You will also have the knowledge and experience to critically engage with the full range of empirical research conducted in the social sciences. The degree has been accredited by the ESRC for progression to doctoral studies, making this an ideal degree if you wish to pursue PhD study. This degree aims to:
- Introduce students to the philosophical, theoretical and ethical issues surrounding research and to debates about the relationship between theory and research, about problems of evidence and inference, and about the limits of objectivity
- Enable students to critically engage with the full range of empirical research conducted in the social sciences
- Give students the necessary practical and analytical skills to succeed in a social research workplace
- Develop skills in the use of computing software for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data sources
- Provide comprehensive methodological training for students preparing MPhil/PhD theses
- Provide practical experience of a range of research techniques, including interviews, observation and ethnography, focus groups, surveys, secondary data analysis, evaluation research, and agent based modelling
- Develop skills in writing, in the preparation of a research proposal, in the presentation of research results and in verbal communication
- Help students to prepare their research results for wider dissemination for a range of audiences, in the form of seminar papers, conference presentations, reports and publications
- Develop skills in searching for and retrieving information, using library and Internet resources
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Show critical awareness and understanding of the methodological implications of a range of sociological theories and approaches | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Show systematic knowledge of basic principles of research design and strategy | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Understand the use and value of a wide range of different research approaches across the quantitative and qualitative spectra | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Show advanced knowledge of cutting edge techniques for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Show engagement with innovations and developments in social research | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research ethics | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| Be able to systematically formulate researchable problems | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| Analyse qualitative and quantitative data drawn both from `real world' and `virtual world' environments | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| Critically evaluate existing empirical research from across the social sciences | C | PGCert, PGDip | |
| Produce publishable research findings and be able to report them to a range of audiences | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Develop original insights, questions, analyses and interpretations in respect of research questions | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Use methodological, theoretical, ethical, and philosophical knowledge about social research practice to address complex issues creatively | C | MSc | |
| Use the range of research techniques commonly employed in sociological research | P | PGDip, MSc | |
| Employ a quantitative (R) and qualitative (NVivo) software package to manage and analyse data | P | MSc | |
| Formulate, design, plan, carry out and report on a complete research project | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Generate both quantitative and qualitative data through an array of techniques, and select techniques of data generation on appropriate methodological bases | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Work to deadlines and within work schedules | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Apply computing skills for research instrument design, data analysis, and report writing and presentation | T | MSc | |
| Work independently and self-organise | T | PGDip, MSc | |
| Formulate and solve problems | T | MSc | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and visual means | T | PGDip |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7*. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
*some programmes may contain up to 30 credits at FHEQ level 6.
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Modules in semester 1 are taught in two-hour classes each week, and students must complete all four modules.
In semester 2 students must select four option modules from the available selection. Each module in Semester 2 is taught intensively in one week from Monday to Wednesday.
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Modules in semester 1 are taught in two-hour classes each week, and students must complete two modules ('Field Methods' and 'Social Data Analytics').
In semester 2 students must select two option modules from the available selection. Each module in Semester 2 is taught intensively in one week from Monday to Wednesday.
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Modules in semester 3 are taught in two-hour classes each week, and students must complete two modules ('Methodological Issues in Research Design', and 'Evaluation Research and Evidence Based Policy').
In semester 4 students must select two option modules from the available selection. Each module in Semester 4 is taught intensively in one week from Monday to Wednesday.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | Y | Work placements are not guaranteed, but we will work with you to identify suitable opportunities. |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Semester 1 follows a traditional structure, with students taking a total of four modules covering fundamental skills in social science research. Each module is taught across the semester, with a two-hour session each week combining lectures with practical hands on research experience. Semester 2 adopts an innovative intensive short-course format, with students selecting a minimum of four additional modules from a list of courses offered by the department. Each short-course spans one week, with three days of intensive teaching, a day of independent study to begin preparation for the assignment, and a formative feedback session on the Friday.
Students on SRM also join us for a two-day residential conference at a local hotel, providing you with the opportunity to gain up-to-date knowledge of cutting edge social research. This will feature guest speakers talking about a range of social science topics, with a particular emphasis on research methodologies. This will enable you to engage with academic and professional researchers and doctoral students and hear about others experiences of conducting research in practice. This will also include careers talks and PhD workshops. There is no charge to attend.
You are also welcome to take part in the full range of research activities that are run from the department of sociology, including external research seminars, and the annual `showcasing sociology¿ week. The department will also work with students to identify potential research placements so that you can gain hands on work experience during your degree. These typically take place across the Easter break.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.