Social Research (Taught)

Why choose this course
We focus on “real world” social research training for a variety of destinations, enabling graduates to pursue careers in commercial, government and non-profit settings, or to go on to PhD research.

The course offers flexibility in full-time/part-attendance and in choice of specialisms across advanced qualitative and quantitative methods.

The course is forward-looking: we combine a solid grounding in established methods with exploring the latest developments in digital social research.

The course builds on a strong track record of pioneering teaching and innovation in methods for social research. Social research methods have been taught at Masters level at Surrey for over 40 years.

Surrey has been home to the Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) Networking Project since 1994, and this underpins our delivery of cutting-edge training in software support for qualitative analysis.

What you will study
The MSc Social Research aims to develop resourceful, resilient, reflexive and multi-skilled researchers able to address contemporary social problems in local and global context. Teaching methods include workshops and practical exercises, lectures, seminars, groupwork and one-to- one supervision.

The course begins with a grounding in quantitative analysis and in data collection methods including interviews, observation and survey design, underpinned by an introduction to research and data management skills and to the methodological principles of research design. In the second half of the course you will have a choice of specialist modules in advanced qualitative and quantitative methods and emerging digital methods. An introduction to research in policy and practice builds your skills in the evaluation and communication of research. Finally, you have the opportunity to put it all together by preparing your individual research-led dissertation with the support of a supervisor.