University of Sheffield United Kingdom

Social Research MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Social Research MA at the University of Sheffield is designed for individuals aiming to advance their careers in social research, enhance their expertise, or pursue academic research. You will develop advanced mixed methods research skills, grounded in a strong theoretical understanding of social inquiry. This postgraduate degree equips you with a versatile toolkit in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, preparing you to tackle complex research projects from conception through to communication of findings. You will learn to formulate robust research questions and design appropriate methodologies.

Studied full-time on campus over one year, this Master's degree offers a dynamic learning experience. You will engage with core modules like Principles of Research Design and Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Research, alongside optional modules that allow you to tailor your studies. A key feature is the Independent Research Project or dissertation, where you will design and execute a substantial research study, guided by expert staff. You will graduate with widely transferable skills, ready for roles in research institutions, public sector bodies, or further doctoral study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master of Arts in Social Research program equips students with foundational research skills through core modules in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and research ethics. Students then specialize by selecting from a wide array of optional modules across diverse fields such as urban design, international development, economics, psychology, and information science, culminating in an independent research project. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and practical application of research methodologies to address complex societal issues.

1 Core modules

Principles of Research Design I
Introduction to Qualitative Research
Introduction to Quantitative Research
Principles of Research Design II
Working Beyond Disciplines
Research Ethics and Integrity

2 Optional modules Independent Research Project

Theory and Research in Design
Urban Design Tools and Methods
Reflections on Architectural Design
Chinese Cities in Transition
Global Governance and Japan
East Asian Research Methods
Microeconomic Analysis
Macroeconomic Analysis
Econometric Methods
Modern Theory of Banking and Finance
Early Childhood 1: Development, Learning and Curriculum
Language Acquisition, Learning and Pedagogy
Data, Visualisation and GIS
Theory and Debates in Food Security and Food Justice
Ideas and Practice in International Development
Research Design and Methods for Development
Children's Learning
Communication Diversity & Difficulties: A
Information and Knowledge Management
Introduction to Data Science
Data and Society
Information Retrieval: Search Engines and Information Seeking Behaviour
Information Systems Modelling
Libraries, Information and Society
Information Systems in Organisations
Information Literacy
Principles of International Law
International Humanitarian Law
Theoretical Foundations of International Organisations
Managing the Landscape
Maintaining Green Infrastructure
Design Research Study
Accounting and Financial Management
Marketing
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Corporate Governance
Global Marketing
Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Technology
Logistics System
Quantitative Methods for Finance and Accounting
Corporate Finance
Management and Organisational Theory
Marketing Management
Management Accounting
Financial Accounting and Financial Statement Analysis
Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations
Leadership, Engagement and Motivation
Selection and Psychological Testing in Organisations
Statistical Methods for Occupational Psychologists
Sustainability Accounting and Accountability
Contemporary Marketing Practices
Marketing Communications
International Consumer Behaviour
Entrepreneurial Economies
Managing People in Organisations
Professional Development
Industrial Relations
Contemporary Global Security
Political Economy of Global Environmental change
Democratic Governance in the 21st Century: Problems, Innovations and Solutions
Terrorism and Political Violence
Professional Skills for Psychologists
Digital Methods
Real Estate Economics
Principles of Urban Design
Media, State and Society in China
Trajectories in Spatial Practices
International Politics in East Asia
Work and Organisation in East Asia
Applied Microeconometrics
International Trade
Public Economics
Business Intelligence
ICTs, Innovation and Change
Database Design
Academic and Workplace Library, Information and Knowledge Services
Journalism in Britain
Policing and Society
Landscape Professional Practice
Strategic Management
Supply Chain Accounting and Finance
Global Supply Chain Leadership
Issues in Finance
International Financial Reporting
Performance Management
European Business
International Finance
Company Project
Managerial Economics
Management Inquiry
Retail and Services Marketing
Marketing in Society
Risk and Uncertainty
Supply Networks Management
Managing Museums and Cultural Heritage Sites
Well-being and Work
Financial Management
Marketing Research
Employee and Organizational Development
International Human Resource Studies
Employee Performance Management
Branding
Policy-Making in the Real World
Feminist and Decolonizing Approaches to International Relations: Bodies, Coloniality, Knowledge
Wellbeing in Politics and Policy
Capitalism and Crisis
Development and the State
Freedom
Digital Media in a Datafied Society
Visual Methods for Social Scientists
Advanced Quantitative Methods for Social Research
Advanced Qualitative Methods
Working Beyond Disciplines
Cities of Diversity
Transport Planning
Issues in Housing
International Real Estate Market Analysis
Planning Law
Investment Valuation
Law of Business Leases
Managing Cities: The Seoul Case Study
Health, Wellbeing and the City

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,576.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 35,576.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 667.00 - USD 2,267.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sheffield Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingFood Marketing & Brand ManagementHigher Education & UniversitiesLean Manufacturing & Process ImprovementMedical Research & Clinical TrialsProduct Design & PrototypingProduct Management & UXSecondary & High School EducationSpace Exploration & Satellite TechnologyWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Cisco

Department for Work and Pensions

HBSC

Lloyds Banking Group

Microsoft

Rolls Royce

Tesco

UCLA Medical Center

Why Study Social Research MA at University of Sheffield

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Sheffield in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Social Research MA at University of Sheffield

Can I work while studying?

International students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, ensure you achieve scores like TOEFL 95 overall with specific subscores or IELTS 6.5 overall. PTE scores must also meet the minimum thresholds.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Policy Advisor, Social Researcher, and Market Researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course focuses on advanced mixed methods research skills and practical data analysis. You'll learn to formulate research questions and manage complex research projects effectively.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Social Research MA has an intake in September. Ensure you apply in advance to secure your place for this start date.
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