MRes Social Science Research Methods
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Research
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Give yourself the edge by studying at an internationally renowned centre for impactful research. Whether you’re a recent graduate with an interest in research, a professional with a research idea that you have a passion to investigate, or considering applying for a PhD in future, this MRes build your research skills and push you towards the forefront of your field.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need to successfully design and complete Master’s level research. You’ll explore and become practiced in a range of advanced research methods, tailored to your needs, and benefit from the expert guidance of a specialist supervisor in your field of interest.
This course is ideal preparation for PhD study, or for a research-based role in a university setting, the third sector, or government.
Gain training in advanced research skills on our MRes Social Science Research Methods degree. Open to students across a range of disciplines, you’ll also develop the specialist skills of your subject area and designated School of Study, as well as take advantage of access to modules from other fields, building a truly interdisciplinary experience. You’ll be able to apply, with expertise, the principles of social science research and design to your particular specialism and your own research project.
As part of this Master’s, you’ll complete a significant piece of independent research, guided by a specialist supervisor who will be an expert in your chosen field.
In addition to your research modules, you’ll have the opportunity to undergo professional training, which will prove essential to a successful career in research and enhancing transferable skills. You’ll refine your skills in writing research proposals, critically appraising research, and writing for publication. Our degree programme provides you with the option to undertake a research placement, with the aim of strengthening your research skills and making career-shaping contacts.
Study and Modules
Structure
You can complete the MRes Social Science Research Methods in the following specialist pathways, comprising of both core modules for your chosen pathway and optional modules from your own or other disciplines.
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Social Work and Social Policy
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Education and Lifelong Learning
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Law
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Business and Management
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Global Development
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Experimental Philosophy
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Politics
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Economics
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Linguistics
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Social Anthropology
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Human Geography
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Science, Technology and Sustainability
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Credits: 100)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your studies will include timetabled classes, private study and coursework assignments. This will equate, roughly, to 10–15 hours a week of private study, in addition to timetabled classes.
You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
You’ll benefit from an academic adviser and have sessions with them throughout the year to support your learning and career development.
You'll also have opportunities to attend research seminars regularly held by Schools across the Faculty of Social Science, presenting research from a range of invited experts.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of coursework assignments, depending on your final choice of modules. You’ll also complete an independent research project, supported by a specialist supervisor. This research will be assessed in one of two ways:
- You'll have the opportunity to carry out an independent field-based study and produce a final research. dissertation, or
- Write two research-based assignments: a literature review and a journal article.
Both forms of assessment are designed to provide you with real-world research skills.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- UK 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Social Sciences and related disciplines
- English 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:
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IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component)
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PTE (Pearson): 76 (minimum 67 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
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution.
Applicants must submit a short (approx. 500 word) research proposal in support of their application and a proposed supervisor. You can find a potential supervisor on the people pages of each Schools webpages. 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 2024/2025 are:
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UK Students: £8,250
- International Students: £21,200
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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.
Employability
After the Course
This course gives you advanced training in research methods, which is ideal preparation for PhD study, or for a career with a significant research component, such as a research associate role in a university, the third sector or within government.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Researcher in academic or research institutions
- Work with international and national non-governmental agencies, including the voluntary sector
- Government departments both in UK and internationally
Discover more on our Careers webpages.