This programme will equip you with theoretical understanding and practical skills in all stages of research in the social sciences – from design to data collection, analysis and interpretation, and critical appreciation as a "consumer" of research. You'll learn both quantitative and qualitative research methods, but you'll have the opportunity to specialise in one of these if you prefer. You can choose to complement your methods training with one or two substantively focused courses from another department. You'll design and carry out an empirical social science research project for your dissertation, with the support of an academic supervisor.
Our interdisciplinary approach will give you confidence to apply your expertise in a broad range of settings. Our graduates go on to successful careers in sectors including academia, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and public and private sectors.
Our syllabus goes beyond the ESRC’s requirements for the first year of a 1+3 PhD programme, making it excellent training for doctoral research.
The MSc is eligible for ESRC funding as the "1" (first year) of the following "1+3" PhD programmes:
If you wish to apply for either of these streams, you need to submit a dual application for the MSc and corresponding MPhil/PhD.
Discover more about our students and department.
The department is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in social science research methodology.
We offer postgraduate programmes in social research methods, applied social data science and demography, welcoming around 80 students each year.
As a department, we also provide training for thousands of students and staff across LSE on research design, qualitative, quantitative and computational methods. From our regular courses and seminars through to our advanced short courses, we want to ensure that students and staff have the expertise to maintain the School’s excellence in social scientific research.
The department has a vibrant and collaborative ethos. We’re proud to have won the 2023 LSE SU Teaching Award for Departmental Excellence – based on student nominations.
Our teaching team include leading researchers in sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology, economics, psychology, criminology, and statistics. We also work closely with colleagues in the departments of Statistics and Mathematics on interdisciplinary topics, such as the social applications of data science.
Our aim is to make the School the pre-eminent centre for methodological training in the social sciences.
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science. Relevant professional experience also considered.
In addition, for this programme, if your first language is not English, you must submit a writing sample of five-ten typewritten pages.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
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The English language requirement for this programme is Standard . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
| QS 综合 | 院校 | 学制 | 学费 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第 273 位 | 苏塞克斯大学University of Sussex | 1年 | 24200英镑/年 |
| 第 415 位 | 肯特大学University of Kent | 1年 | 23950英镑/年 |