MRes Social Science Research Methods
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Research
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Give yourself the edge by studying at an internationally renowned centre for impactful research with our MRes Social Science Research Methods degree. Whether you're a recent graduate with a keen interest in research, a professional driven by a passion to explore a compelling research idea, or someone considering a future PhD, our MRes program will refine your research skills and propel you to the forefront of your field.
Throughout this course, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to successfully design and complete Master’s level research. You’ll become practiced in a range of advanced research methods tailored to your needs. As part of this Master’s, you’ll complete a significant piece of independent research, guided by a specialist supervisor who will be an expert in your chosen field. This course is open to students across a range of disciplines.
Here at UEA, you’ll gain training in advanced research skills and develop the specialist skills of your subject area and designated School of Study. You’ll be able to apply, with expertise, the principles of social science research and design to your specialism and your own research project. You’ll also have the flexibility to access modules from other fields, building a truly interdisciplinary experience.
In addition to your research modules, you’ll have the chance to undergo professional training, which will prove essential to a successful research career. You’ll refine your skills in writing research proposals, critically appraising research, and writing for publication. Our degree programme also provides you with the option to undertake a research placement, with the aim of strengthening your research skills and making career-shaping contacts.
Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the tools needed to excel in a future PhD or a research-based role within a university, the third sector, or government.
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Study and Modules
Structure
You can complete our MRes Social Science Research Methods in the following specialist pathways, comprising of both core modules for your chosen pathway and optional modules from your own or other disciplines.
- Social Work and Social Policy
- Education and Lifelong Learning
- Law
- Business and Management
- Global Development
- Experimental Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Economics
- Social Anthropology
- Human Geography
- Science, Technology and Sustainability
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Credits: 100)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your studies will include timetabled classes, private study and coursework assignments. This will equate, roughly, to 10–15 hours a week of private study, in addition to timetabled classes.
You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
You’ll benefit from an academic adviser and have sessions with them throughout the year to support your learning and career development.
You'll also have opportunities to attend research seminars regularly held by Schools across the Faculty of Social Science, presenting research from a range of invited experts.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of coursework assignments, depending on your final choice of modules. You’ll also complete an independent research project, supported by a specialist supervisor. This research will be assessed in one of two ways:
- You'll have the opportunity to carry out an independent field-based study and produce a final research. Dissertation; or
- Write two research-based assignments: a literature review and a journal article.
Both forms of assessment are designed to provide you with real-world research skills.
Employability
After the Course
This course gives you advanced training in research methods, which is ideal preparation for PhD study, or for a career with a significant research component, such as a research associate role in a university, the third sector or within government.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Researcher in academic or research institutions
- Work with international and national non-governmental agencies, including the voluntary sector
- Government departments both in UK and internationally
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Update 16/05/25: Please note that due to unprecedented demand, international applications are now closed on this course. The course remains open for UK students.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.1
Degree Subject
Social Sciences and related disciplines
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants must submit a short (approx. 500 word) research proposal in support of their application and a proposed supervisor. You can find a potential supervisor on the people pages of each Schools web pages. This should indicate their initial thoughts about a possible research topic and should consider why the topic might be important, whether there is a research gap in this area, and propose a possible methodology for the investigation.
Please note, however, that the final research topic will be finalised in discussion with supervisors at the start of the course.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Update 16/05/25: Please note that due to unprecedented demand, international applications are now closed on this course. The course remains open for UK students.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Sciences and related disciplines
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants must submit a short (approx. 500 word) research proposal in support of their application and a proposed supervisor. You can find a potential supervisor on the people pages of each Schools web pages. This should indicate their initial thoughts about a possible research topic and should consider why the topic might be important, whether there is a research gap in this area, and propose a possible methodology for the investigation.
Please note, however, that the final research topic will be finalised in discussion with supervisors at the start of the course.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each component)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/2026 are:
-
UK Students: £8,825
- International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.