About the department

The Sheffield Methods Institute is an interdisciplinary department set up as a response to how changes in contemporary society have impacted the social sciences.

ICOSS building in the evening, at the University of Sheffield
Off

The SMI was set up via funding as part of a £20-million programme to promote change in Social Science graduates - more graduates are needed who can use data and other forms of information such as social media, and can communicate clearly what it tells us.

We are a unique organisation created to promote innovation in research methods that can be applied to the social sciences to ultimately help solve the big challenges facing today’s society.

We do this by:

  • Delivering teaching and training in cutting edge qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Providing opportunities to manage and analyse data sets, including Big Data.
  • Leading the methodological innovation at The University of Sheffield through events such as seminar series, workshops, study schools and conferences.
  • Building working relationships with businesses to promote best practice research methods and deliver work experience opportunities.
  • Working with international partners with our teaching and research.
Image of Charlie SMI Alumus sat in his office

Mae & Charlie are here to tell you more about Applied Social Sciences

Applied Social Sciences student Mae and alumnus Charlie will tell you what they enjoy most about the course, what skills they have learned and how it has helped develop their career.

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.