MA Social Research Methods

at University of Liverpool

Compulsory modules

• The Politics and Practices of Social Research 
• Philosophy of Social Science 
   

Optional modules

• Understanding Society Using Quantitative Methods
• Using Foucault's Methods 
• Focus Groups 
• An Introduction to Critical Discourse Analysis 
• Visual Data, VIsual Analysis
• Ethnomethodology and Conversation Analysis
• Participatory Action Research 
• Narrative Interviewing 
• Interviewing 
• Doing Ethical Research
• Researching Private Companies 
• Using Freedom of Information Requests in Research 
• Observation 
• Photography and Creative Practice 

Students commencing the MA in Social Research Methods will have either a first degree or a Masters degree in the Social Sciences or related areas. A good first degree (of 2:1 or first class) is normally required, although experience and/or strong supporting references may justify entry with a lower grade. Those with non-social science back grounds may also be considered if their experience and references suggest support for this.
 

Applications from international students are welcome. International qualifications will be evaluated in line with the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) guidelines
 

English language qualifications

All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language, and are required to provide evidence of this. Qualifications accepted by the University include: GCSE English; GCE O level English; AS Level English; A Level English Language; IELTS; TOEFL; Cambridge Proficiency etc. 
 

If you meet the academic requirements of the course but do not have the required level of English Language, it is possible for you to come and study at the University on one of our Pre-sessional EAP programmes.  Please see the English Language Centre website for further information about these programmes;
 

• IELTS    6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT    88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 17, Reading 17, Speaking 19.
• International Baccalaureate    Standard Level 5
• Hong Kong use of English AS level    C
• INDIA Standard XII    70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards
• WAEC    C4-6
   

Please be advised that TOEFL is no longer classified by UK Visas and Immigration as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). However, at the current time the university is continuing to accept TOEFL, at the required level, for entry on to Undergraduate and Postgraduate academic programmes. 

Tuition fees (Home)
 

• The University's tuition fees are normally fixed at yearly intervals and follow Government guidelines on minimum levels. The normal tuition fee for Home (UK) postgraduate taught students per year (for the academic year 2022/23, unless otherwise specified) are stated below.  Please note that part-time fees are charged at 50% of the full-time fee shown below per year (unless otherwise specified). 
• In addition to your tuition fees, you may incur other costs in relation to your studies such as photocopying in the library, buying textbooks and specialist equipment or going on field classes. See our study costs page for full details.
   

Fee for this course    Year 1: £9,450

International students
 

• International students are required to pay the full costs of their tuition in the UK with each university setting its own international fees. 
• The University of Liverpool's fees represent excellent value for money for a Russell Group University. The normal tuition fee for full-time international postgraduate taught students per year (for the academic year 2022/23, unless otherwise specified) will be as follows:
   

International fee for this course    Year 1: £19,250

The Social Research Methods MA is recognised nationally by the Economic and Social Research Council for providing quality methods training for those seeking a career in social science. The programme gives students the required skills to progress directly onto doctoral level social research, or to take up employment in a wide variety of careers within the government, charitable and/or private sectors. National and local government, as well as Regional Development Agencies have noted the rapid rise in demand for graduates qualified in the full spectrum of research design and analysis techniques.
 

The Social Research Methods MA is designed to meet the needs of both pre-employment training and within-post career development. Many students pursue an academic career or a university research career in the Social Sciences (Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology) or in a related discipline. Other research graduates have developed a career in commercial research or have developed their research skills in a practical context in either the public or the private sector.