My masters degree provides a good foundation of statistical and research methods
and I have really enjoyed the course units on more advanced statistical methods
Learn how to turn complex social questions into reliable evidence through advanced training in research design, methods and statistical analysis.
Our MSc in Social Research Methods and Statistics will teach you to use statistical analysis software such as R, SPSS and Stata to ask and answer crucial questions, like:
Social statistics and quantitative data analysis are key tools for understanding society and how government policies affect different groups of people.
You’ll learn key skills such as statistical analysis and modelling, survey design, research design, and more. We focus on a range of important subject areas including social inequalities, population dynamics and survey methodology. You can deepen your own research interests with a choice of elective units.
Our innovative programme is taught by expert academics, both with practical experience of the research fields and a real passion for enhancing your learning experience.
This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship offered by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), offering a unique, fully-funded route into postgraduate research. If your application is successful, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from master's-level study to a PhD. Find out more on our 1+3 ESRC NWSSDTP webpage .
Which pathway is right for me?
Shape your studies around your interests and career goals by choosing from three different pathways. All three courses share a strong foundation in quantitative methods and statistics, with specialist routes offering a deeper focus in their respective areas. We offer the following courses:
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics: Develop advanced skills in research design, statistical analysis and evidence generation to address pressing social issues.
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Demography: Gain specialist expertise in population change while building advanced skills in demographic analysis and quantitative social research. Find out more about MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Demography .
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science: Build advanced social research skills while applying machine learning, network analysis and data science techniques to social questions. Find out more about MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science .
An interdisciplinary research environment
This course is linked with our Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research , a centre of excellence for applying quantitative research to contemporary social science questions.
A prestigious department
Pioneer your own research at a department ranked first in the UK for the percentage of our research outputs being ‘world-leading’, as recognised by the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).
You will explore the application of quantitative methods to a range of subject areas, such as sociology, public health, geographic differences and statistics.
We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, inany discipline.
When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.