MSc Social Statistics and Social Research at University of Stirling

Programme overview

The MSc Social Statistics and Social Research provides advanced quantitative research skills and training in the use of social science data resources. Exit awards are a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma.

Duration: 12 months full-time (September start only); 24 months part-time (September and January) | Intake: January 2027, September 2027, January 2028 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Taught modules run in the autumn and spring semesters, with most modules timetabled for one morning or afternoon per week, followed by a dissertation.

Career pathways

Research agencies, charities and NGOs, academic research, central and local government, the Office for National Statistics and the NHS, in roles such as social research officer, government social research officer and research analyst, or PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject; applicants without these but with significant relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply. Willingness to learn advanced statistical methods matters more than prior background; basic experience of statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, R or Excel is useful but not essential. English language (international applicants): IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill; Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill; TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking; TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall with no less than 4 in any band.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,050 a year (2026/27). Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland; part time rate Source

International applicants: GBP 10,900 a year (2026/27). International (including EU) students; part time rate Source

Intake: January 2027, September 2027, January 2028

Duration: 12 months full-time (September start only); 24 months part-time (September and January)

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