MRes Social Science Research Methods

Overview

The MRes Social Science Research Methods degree offers an advanced programme of research training. The course is ideal for applicants who are considering going on to study for a PhD. You will study core Faculty modules that include generic social science research skills, broad based training in social science research methods, and advanced training in qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also receive School-based research skills and subject-based training from which you will acquire specialist knowledge that will allow you to apply the basic principles of social science research and design to your own research projects.

The University of East Anglia has been ranked 10th in the UK for the quality of its research output and 21st overall amongst all mainstream British institutions in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. The results show that more than 82 per cent of UEA research is classified as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, confirming UEA’s position as a premier research institution making a substantial impact on the global challenges facing society.

The course is available in the following subject specialisms:

• Education and Lifelong Learning
• Social Work and Social Policy
• Psychology
• Law
• Business and Management
• International Development

For details of the modules offered for each subject specialism please see the Course Profile tab.

The degree may be studied over one year full-time, or two years part-time. The registration date is: September.

Professional, Employability and Practical Skills

A range of optional seminars and workshops are offered during your Masters programme with the aim of strengthening of your skills. Advisor sessions to support learning and career development occur throughout the year.

For general course enquiries, please contact Dr Laura Biggart.

If you would like information about any of the specific specialisms please contact:

Dr Esther Priyadharshini (Education and Lifelong Learning)
Dr Jonathan Dickens (Social Work and Social Policy)
Dr Laura Biggart (Psychology)
Dr Michael Hamilton (Law)
Dr Zografia Bika (Business and Management)
Dr Laura Camfield (International Development)

Course Modules

The MRes Social Science Research Methods is offered in the following subject specialisms:

• Education and Lifelong Learning
• Social Work and Social Policy
• Psychology
• Law
• Business and Management
• International Development

Please use the links above to find further information on the compulsory and optional modules available for each subject specialism.

Disclaimer

Entry Requirements

• Degree Subject Social Sciences
• Degree Classification UK BA (Hons) 2.1 or equivalent

Entry Requirement

Applicants should normally have a good first degree from a recognised higher education institution.

It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

• IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component)
• PTE (Pearson): 68 (minimum 62 in each component)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk

Special Entry Requirements

Applicants must submit a short (approx. 500 word) research proposal in support of their application. This should indicate their initial thoughts about a possible research topic and should consider why the topic might be important, whether there is a research gap in this area, and propose a possible methodology for the investigation. Please note, however, that the final research topic will be finalised in discussion with supervisors at the start of the course.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the academic year 2016/17 are:

• UK/EU Students: £6,000
• International Students: £14,500

If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for UK/EU students).

Living Expenses

Approximately £9,135 living expenses will be needed to adequately support yourself.

Scholarships

For entry in September 2016, we will be offering six scholarships covering tuition fees (at the UK/EU rate of Â£6,000), plus a maintenance grant of Â£5,000 per annum. These scholarships are also available to International students, who would receive a scholarship of £11,000 towards the International tuition fee of £14,500. These awards are available for September 2016 registration on a full-time basis only.

Scholarships are awarded to students on an academic basis taking into consideration relevant disciplinary background and exceptional academic ability. Applications are invited from those who have or expect to achieve a 2.1 degree or higher in a relevant discipline.

To be considered for one of these six scholarships, we must have received your complete application, including references, by 15 April 2016.

UEA alumni applying for this course will also be eligible for the 10% alumni fee reduction scholarship – further information can be found on our postgraduate scholarships page. 

How to Apply

Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.

You can apply online.

Further Information

To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.