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Social Science Research Methods (Taught)

  • MS
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2025
  • Postgraduate
Cathays Park Campus
Awarded by:
Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
More about Cardiff University

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Our MSc in Social Science Research Methods aims to provide advanced training in research methods across the full range of the social sciences.

You will be provided with a 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 will 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.

Students may apply for one of the pathways through the MSc in Social Science Research Methods:

Management and Business Studies: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-business-and-management-studies-msc

Criminology: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-criminology-msc

Educational Studies: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-education-msc

Environmental Planning: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-environmental-planning-msc

International Relations: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-international-relations-msc

Politics: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-politics-msc

Science and Technology Studies: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-science-and-technology-studies-msc

Social Policy: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-social-policy-msc

Social Work: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-social-work-msc

Social-Legal: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-socio-legal-studies-msc

Sociology: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-science-research-methods-sociology-msc

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Cathays Park Campus

Study options

  • MS • Full-time • 1 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2025

Open days

Entry requirements

2:1 in any undergraduate degree or equivalent, related to Psychology or Social Sciences. Alternatively, you may be considered for admission if you are able to demonstrate that you have held, for a minimum period of two years, a position of responsibility relevant to the programme, or, in exceptional circumstances, be able to demonstrate equivalent skills that are sufficient to meet the demands of the programme.

Where English is not your first language, we require a minimum IELTS score of 6:5 overall,(to include 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other sub-scores) or an equivalent English qualification.

In addition to the standard application, you will be asked to produce an initial outline description of your intended research topic which will form the basis for assessing the application, together with the completed application form and references. The research proposal will also be the means by which you are paired with potential supervisors. It is strongly advised that you contact potential supervisors in advance.

Research proposal forms and further advice are available through the pathway convenor or the general SSRM office. Completed forms can be attached to an application or returned via email directly to the pathway convenor or SSRM office (see contact details).

Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the academic year but due to the popularity of the course, places fill up quickly. Prospective students are advised to submit their application in the spring.

For further information, please visit the course page on our website:
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/browse-by-school/school-of-social-sciences

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For tuition fee information, please visit the webpage for your chosen pathway.

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