MSc Social Research Methods

This programme will equip you with theoretical understanding and practical skills in all stages of research in the social sciences – from design to data collection, analysis and interpretation, and critical appreciation as a "consumer" of research. You'll learn both quantitative and qualitative research methods, but you'll have the opportunity to specialise in one of these if you prefer. You can choose to complement your methods training with one or two substantively focused courses from another department. You'll design and carry out an empirical social science research project for your dissertation, with the support of an academic supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach will give you confidence to apply your expertise in a broad range of settings. Our graduates go on to successful careers in sectors including academia, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and public and private sectors.

Our syllabus goes beyond the ESRC’s requirements for the first year of a 1+3 PhD programme, making it excellent training for doctoral research.

The MSc is eligible for ESRC funding as the "1" (first year) of the following "1+3" PhD programmes:

• MSc Social Research Methods (Gender) is part of the MPhil/PhD Gender
• MSc Social Research Methods (Social/Formal) is part of the MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal)

If you wish to apply for either of these streams, you need to submit a dual application for the MSc and corresponding MPhil/PhD.

The programme has two parts. In the first part you will complete a mix of modules in research design, quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods (to a total of two units) as well as a dissertation (one unit). Within the programme regulations of the degree, you are able to tailor this mix of modules to emphasise either quantitative methods or qualitative methods. In the second part, for all students, courses to the value of one full unit can be taken from a range of optional courses.

The department is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in social science research methodology.

We offer postgraduate programmes in social research methods, applied social data science and demography, welcoming around 80 students each year.

As a department, we also provide training for thousands of students and staff across LSE on research design, qualitative, quantitative and computational methods. From workshops on computer programming and methods-related software through to short courses, we want to ensure that students and staff have the expertise to maintain the School’s excellence in social scientific research.

The department has a vibrant and collaborative ethos. We’re proud to have won the 2023 LSE SU Teaching Award for Departmental Excellence – based on student nominations.

Our teaching team include leading researchers in sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology, economics, psychology, criminology, and statistics. We also work closely with colleagues in the departments of Statistics and Mathematics on interdisciplinary topics, such as the social applications of data science.

Our aim is to make the School the pre-eminent centre for methodological training in the social sciences.

Department of Methodology

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references
• CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

This programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who haven't already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. An application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within their personal statement.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Almost 50 per cent of the graduates of this programme have entered PhD programmes, or are working in social research in universities or national and local government.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.