Social Science Research Methods (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time

Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Advanced training in research methods preparing you for employment or PhD study.
Taught by experts
Programme underpinned by internationally recognised research carried out by our academic staff.
Interdisciplinary as standard
Teaching from across the social sciences, bringing an interdisciplinary approach to social scientific research.
Engage with new research
Engage in independent research underpinned by first-class methods training as part of your final dissertation.
Independent research
Engage in independent research underpinned by first-class methods training as part of your final dissertation.
The MSc Social Science Research Methods will provide you with advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences.
Taught by colleagues in the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff Business School, School of Geography and Planning, School of Psychology, and School of Law and Politics, this programme offers extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study, the application of social research expertise for occupational career development, and the pursuit of a substantive area of interest at postgraduate level, with the programme meeting the training requirements for ESRC PhD funding.
You’ll be provided with thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of how to construct effective research studies, of the variety of data collection methods available to the social scientist and of the principal methods of analysing social scientific data. You’ll also be introduced to the political and ethical frameworks within which social science research is conducted, and to some of the ways in which the results of social science research are disseminated.
You’ll be able to select methods to specialise in at advanced level, before applying your skills and knowledge in researching and writing a dissertation.
This degree is an invaluable qualification which will ensure you develop the skills required to build a successful research career across the public, private and third sectors, as well as for further academic study.
Where you'll study
School of Social Sciences
Our degrees are delivered by internationally recognised experts with a track record of influencing policy and practice around the world.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject such as criminology, education, human geography, law, management/business, psychology or social policy, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- One written academic or professional reference demonstrating your ability to undertake a research-focused postgraduate programme. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
- A personal statement, no longer than 1000 words outlining how your interests and experience align with the course.
- A brief research proposal (up to 500 words) that outlines your discipline interests and school alignment from the following list of schools collaborating with the Social Science Research Methods programme:
- Law & Politics
- Social Sciences (including Criminology)
- Geography & Planning
- Psychology
- Cardiff Business School (PhD route only)
This proposal will not be used as part of the selection criteria but is critical to ensuring the appropriate school is able to support your research interest when you undertake your dissertation. Please clearly state your preferred school from the list above. This does not need to be more than half a side of A4 typed.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references or an up-to-date CV.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of June but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
Fees for entry 2025/26 are not yet available.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
Some students may need a DBS check, if they want to conduct research involving children.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
The Social Science Research Methods (MSc) prepares you for a range of different careers and industries, particularly industries which value research and data gathering, analysis and interpretation. This can include roles in market research, product testing, customer experience research and market segmentation analysis. And importantly, across the public, private and third sectors.
Charities and independent research organisations (such as think tanks), trade unions, and pressure and lobby groups, employ research staff to inform and shape their activities. While local and national government departments employ scores of social researchers, with the UK-wide Government Social Research (GSR) service responsible for conducting and providing social and behavioural research and advice to government.
This degree is an invaluable qualification which will ensure you develop the skills required to build a successful career in these areas, or others. Alternatively, this programme is the ideal preparation for progression to PhD study.
During your studies, you’ll have access to the University’s Student Futures services offering career advice, guidance and coaching as well as a range of other opportunities to enhance your professional skills and profile.
Next steps
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Related searches: Social science, Sociology
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.