This course would suit graduates seeking careers in policy research, government departments, think tanks, or international organisations. It should appeal to those interested in evidence-informed policymaking, third sector consulting, or pursuing doctoral research. Professionals working in NGOs, charities, social policy, or data analysis seeking to enhance their quantitative, qualitative or evidence synthesis research skills and policy understanding will find this course valuable for career development.
When you graduate, you’ll be able to critically evaluate social policies and design evidence-informed research that supports effective decision-making.
You’ll develop advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills alongside a strong understanding of how social issues are shaped, governed and addressed through policy.
These capabilities prepare graduates for careers across think tanks, NGOs, charities, research organisations, consultancies, and local or national government. Our past students have gone on to work in third sector roles in policy and welfare or as a researcher and participation officer for a children’s foundation.
You’ll have the methodological background needed to pursue doctoral research, or a career in academia.
Graduates from this course are introducing the latest social research approaches at organisations across the public, private and non-profit sectors, with more than 83% of graduates in highly-skilled work or further postgraduate-level study 15 months after leaving.
The most common industry destinations for our graduates are policy and government, health and social care, charities, NGOs and international development, taking on roles in social research, policy consultancy, policy analysis, development and implementation, programme management and policy advocacy ( Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2018–2024 cohorts).
Our former MSc students have gone on to pursue PhDs within SRI or at prestigious institutions