MSc Social Research Methods

at London School of Economics

The programme has two parts. In the first part you will complete a mix of modules in research design, quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods (to a total of two units) as well as a dissertation (one unit). Within the programme regulations of the degree, you are able to tailor this mix of modules to emphasise either quantitative methods or qualitative methods. In the second part, for all students other than those on the Gender, Population or Social Policy streams (which have their own lists of options), courses to the value of one full unit can be taken from a range of optional courses.

In summary the programme will comprise:

Research Design

You will select one or two half units from a selection of Methodology courses that cover research design.  This will include a mandatory core half unit module that provides a broad introduction to a range of principles of social research design

Quantitative Research Methods

You will select one or two half units from a range of Methodology (and, subject to certain conditions being met, possibly Statistics) courses that cover quantitative data analysis from a basic to advanced level.

Qualitative Research Methods
You will select one or two half units from a range of Methodology courses that cover methods of qualitative data collection and analysis from a basic to advanced level. 

Dissertation
An independent research project of 10,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

Courses to the value of one unit from a range of options (the options available to you depend on the stream of the degree you have chosen).

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Social Research Methods

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.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2022/23 for MSc Social Research Methods
Home students: £15,816
Overseas students: £24,456

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Methodology
Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Education
• Advertising and market research
• Computer programming and consultancy
• Membership organisations

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2017-18 were the first group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling.

Almost 50 per cent of the graduates of this programme have entered PhD programmes, or are working in social research in universities or national and local government.