The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

MA Social Research

Department of Sociological Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences

You aim to understand the human world, where you fit into it and how you can help other people. As one of the UK's top ten research departments in our field, we can help you to achieve your goals.

About the course

1 year full-time/2 years part-time

This course is about the study of social life and social relations. It covers advanced training in methods of sociological research and social science epistemology and methodology.

The course combines the study of research design and methods with analyses of contemporary debates in sociology, social policy and social anthropology.

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

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Course content

You'll get research training in both generic social science and subject-specific areas. You must take one 30-credit and four 15-credit core modules, two 15-credit optional modules and complete a 60-credit dissertation.

Core modules

  • The Research Process
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Foundations of Sociological Inquiry
  • Social Research for the Digital Age
  • Doing Gendered Research
  • Qualitative Research with Children and Young People

Optional modules

  • International Childhoods: rights, policy and practice
  • Children, Families and Welfare States
  • Qualitative Research with Children and Young People
  • Global Social Policy and Governance
  • Political Economy of Global Social Policy
  • Global Social Problems and Social Policy
  • Or you can choose a suitable optional module from across departments in the faculty

Teaching

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Small-group work
  • Independent study
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Dissertation in Sociological Research

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: sociological.studies@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 6401

Amelia Moore, MA Global and International Social Policy

Where your masters can take you

Our graduates go on to become academics, researchers or health and social care professionals. Others become managers
or administrators in the public and private sectors.

Stay informed

Our interdisciplinary approach brings together sociologists, social policy analysts, social workers and social anthropologists. Our empirical research is internationally recognised, and our contributions to current policy debates are significant and trusted.

One of the UK's top ten research centres for social work and policy.

Stay connected

You'll get access to office space in a centrally located postgraduate facility. Use our flexible work spaces to connect with postgraduate research students and get involved in the work of the department. You'll discover a positive, friendly atmosphere where staff and postgraduate students work together as colleagues.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form