MSc Social Science Research Methods at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

The MSc Social Science Research Methods provides advanced mixed-methods training connecting qualitative and quantitative methods, working with real data in interviews, fieldwork, creative and participatory methods, text analysis, surveys and network analysis. Graduates meet ESRC and SGSSS doctoral training requirements.

Department: School of Social & Political Sciences | Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time | Intake: September | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Semester 1 core courses: Understanding Society, Understanding Data, Working with Secondary Data and Working with Digital Data. Semester 2 offers specialist methods courses such as Advanced Regression, Qualitative Text Analysis and Multilevel and Network Analysis, a General or Disciplinary Pathway, and a dissertation or research project.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue social research careers or PhD study, including in international and non-governmental organisations, government agencies, media and think tanks.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) in any Social Science, Humanities or Arts subject; a 2.2 may sometimes be accepted. Extensive work experience in government or a policy-related field, or in creative industries or humanities, may be considered for degrees outside the standard requirements. International applicants: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0; TOEFL iBT 92 overall (tests taken from 21 January 2026); PTE Academic (test centre) 65 overall with Reading 60, Listening 60, Speaking 65, Writing 60. Other tests are accepted and a University pre-sessional course can also meet the requirement. Applications for September 2027 entry: UK applicants by 24 August 2027; international applicants apply in rounds from 1 October 2026 to 8 July 2027 (final decision date 29 July 2027).

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,481 a year (2027/28). Home and rest-of-UK full-time fee Source

International applicants: GBP 27,390 a year (2027/28). International and EU full-time fee Source

Intake: September

Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities