| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Full-time | 1 - 2 year | - | - | - |
Develop advanced social science research skills and prepare to make a substantial contribution to organisations, policy makers and academic debates. Supported by our expert researchers, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience of essential qualitative and quantitative research methods for social sciences, alongside core skills in research design, methodology and critical analysis.
The MSc in Social Research at Lancaster University is ideal for those preparing for doctoral study or seeking research expertise for careers in policy, public service, think tanks, or the voluntary sector.
Why Lancaster?
Expert-led, research-informed teaching
At Lancaster, you’ll join a vibrant intellectual environment within the School of Social Sciences. Renowned for high-quality teaching and research, we are consistently in the world top 100 for Sociology (QS World Subject Rankings).
By joining the MSc in Social Research, you become a part of our multi-disciplinary research community and can benefit from our staff’s experience of taking core research skills into exciting new directions.
Impactful and relevant
We know that strong research depends upon not only personal curiosity and dedication, but also strong networks that support inspiring discussions, constructive feedback, energising collaborations, and impactful results. We engage with research communities, public discussions and contribute to social change. Our staff and students regularly contribute to important public discussions through blogs, lectures, media appearances, podcasts and social media.
On this programme, you will combine deep intellectual engagement with hands-on practice and build your confidence and capacity to carry out methodologically robust social research that makes a difference.
Advanced training
This programme emphasises a scientific and systematic approach to social research. You’ll acquire the critical and analytical tools to engage with pressing social issues and the confidence to design and carry out theoretically informed, methodologically rigorous research. You will:
These skills are embedded through hands-on learning and reflexive practice, supported by authentic assessments designed to build the confidence, capacity and competencies to equip you for a future career in social research.
Tailor your research
With expert supervision and access to world-class resources, you’ll be able to shape your learning around your own interests helping you connect methodological training to the issues that matter to you and the organisations and communities you engage with.
An optional module will help you explore how advanced methodological questions intersect with key areas of social concern—such as environment and sustainability, crime and deviance, criminal justice, gender and ethnicity, technology, data, and AI. Your choice of option allows you to engage more deeply with a topic of personal or professional interest and to tailor the direction of your independent research.
Finally, you'll undertake a dissertation: a sustained piece of independent research supported by expert academic supervision. In this piece of work, you will consolidate and apply your learning, engage with emerging debates of specific interest, and develop an original contribution to knowledge in an area that matters to you.
A research community
At Lancaster, you’ll join a vibrant research community with opportunities to take part in coffee mornings, film screenings, public events, seminars, and international conferences hosted by staff and students. These events offer space to exchange ideas, develop new projects, and engage with a diverse range of public groups and organisations.
The MSc in Social Research offers the ideal foundation for your next steps—whether in academic research or a professional role that requires expert skills in social science research to influence social change.
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Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Lancaster University. Read more about the requirements in our Guide to the United Kingdom International Student Visa Requirements.
