MSc Social Research at University of the Highlands and Islands

This MSc builds a foundation in the theory and practice of social research, grounded in critical and ethical approaches, with qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods training. It can be studied entirely online or on campus at Inverness and is approved by the ESRC for studentships with the Scottish Graduate School of Social Sciences. A pathway with Advanced Quantitative Methods adds Geographic Information Systems, text mining and computational analysis.

Duration: 1 year full-time  |  Intake: January; September  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core 20-credit modules are Engaged research: concepts and theories, Ethics and data science, and Research methods and techniques, plus 60 credits of options (for example Qualitative inquiry, Quantitative research and data analysis, Applications of GIS, Introduction to R and data visualisation, Governance in small islands). The programme ends with a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for social research and policy analysis in public, private and third sector organisations, programme management and policy officer roles, consultancy, and research or policy analysis for international development organisations and non-profits. They can progress to PhD study.

Official programme page