MSc Social Research at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

An interdisciplinary masters building advanced social research skills in qualitative, quantitative and big data methods. Students pursue a personal research project, complete a consultancy-style project for a real-world client and write an independent dissertation.

Faculty: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences | Duration: 1 year full-time (part-time route available) | Study mode: full-time, part-time route available | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Semester One covers research theories and methodologies, research design, data collection and analysis, project management, ethics and fieldwork; Semester Two covers advanced research techniques, a client project and the dissertation. Modules include Social Research: Philosophies and Design, Applied Social Research, Advanced Research Methods, Big Data Visualisation and Analytics, Environmental Knowledge: From Field to Stakeholder, and Advanced Research Practice and Data Analysis for Psychology.

Career pathways

Prepares graduates for professional social research roles in universities, government, and the voluntary and private sectors, or for doctoral research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally an upper second class (2:1) honours degree in a relevant social science discipline or overseas equivalent; applicants with alternative qualifications or relevant experience are considered case by case. GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at grade 4/C or above. Applications include a personal statement of about 250-400 words, a CV and proof of sponsorship if applicable. International applicants need IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 19,500 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 1 year

Arts & Humanities