MRes Social Science Research
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a social science*, natural science or humanities subject. |
|---|---|
Why study MRes Social Science Research at Exeter?
- We’ll develop you into a fully trained and competent social science researcher who is able to understand and?use a range of research techniques
- Our flexible programme allows you to pursue your intended subject or topic, preparing you for PhD or a career in research
- Forms part of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership – a hub of world-class social sciences research
- Our seminar series?and highly successful annual postgraduate conference brings together researchers from across all humanities and social sciences disciplines
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
Top 10 in the UK for Sociology
Funding opportunities available through ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social sciences research
Top 100 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a social science*, natural science or humanities subject. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
*Accepted social science subjects include:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Area and Development Studies
- Criminology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Economic and Social History
- Education
- Environmental Planning
- Human Geography
- International Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management and Business Studies
- Media and Communication Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Studies
- Psychology
- Science and Technology Studies
- Social Policy
- Social Statistics, Methods, and Computing
- Social Work
- Socio Legal Studies
- Sociology
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This degree will empower you with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of social research. You will refine your analytical skills, gaining proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and digital research methodologies. We provide you with a deep understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in social research, fostering a sense of responsibility in your scholarly pursuits. You'll engage with real-world applications, honing your ability to contribute valuable insights to social issues. Additionally, collaborative learning environments and exposure to diverse research projects will cultivate your adaptability and critical thinking.
As a graduate armed with advanced research methods, you'll emerge ready to drive positive change in various professional domains, equipped to conduct impactful, evidence-based analyses that address the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.
The array of optional modules enables you to tailor your programme to your interests and career ambitions.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120-135 credits of compulsory modules, 45-60 credits of optional modules.
You will select 60-75 credits of compulsory methods modules. You may select one or both of SSIM915 (for advanced quantitative training) or POLM063 (for advanced qualitative training). All together, these modules satisfy the ESRC requirements for postgraduate methods training in the social sciences.
You must select a 60-credit dissertation from an appropriate academic department (typically the department of your intended doctoral supervisor).
You must select 45-60 credits of modules as is appropriate for your educational journey.
Pathway information:
Our programme enables you to choose a specific pathway. All students graduate with MRes Social Science Research, but if you elect to specialise and select the modules from the pathway groups shown, you will be eligible to graduate with a pathway in one of the following named areas:
Pathway A - Education. To be awarded MRes Social Science Research (Education) you must select both of the pathway modules shown below.
Pathway B - History. To be awarded MRes Social Science Research (History) you must select both of the pathway modules shown below.
Pathway C - Human Geography. To be awarded MRes Social Science Research (Human Geography) you must select both of the pathway modules shown below.
Pathway D - Socio-Legal Studies. To be awarded MRes Social Science Research (Socio-Legal Studies) you must select both of the pathway modules shown below.
You may only graduate with a single pathway.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||
| Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 15 | |
| Computational Social Science 1 | 15 | |
| Computational Social Science 2 | 15 | |
| Compulsory Choice | ||
| Qualitative Methods in Social Research | 15 | |
| Statistical Modelling | 15 | |
| Dissertation Choice | ||
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation | 60 | |
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Dissertation in History | 60 | |
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project | 60 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Education Pathway-Specific | ||
| Preparing for Educational Research and Dissertation | 60 | |
| Foundations of Educational Research | 30 | |
| History Pathway-Specific | ||
| Research Skills in Archaeology and History | 15 | |
| Dissertation in History | 60 | |
| Human Geography Pathway-Specific | ||
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Just Futures | 15 | |
| Optional 1 | ||
| Foundations of Educational Research | 30 | |
| Just Futures | 15 | |
| Research Skills in Archaeology and History | 15 | |
| Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC) | 15 | |
| Qualitative Methods in Social Research | 30 | |
| Digital Politics and Policy | 30 | |
| How to Make a Decision: Understanding Command, Leadership and Management | 30 | |
| Public Opinion, Misinformation and Public Policy | 30 | |
| Applied Quantitative Data Analysis | 15 | |
| Social Theory | 15 | |
| Social Theory | 30 | |
| Data Governance and Ethics | 15 | |
| Sociology of Culture: Conflict and Cohesion | 30 | |
| Health, Culture and Society | 15 | |
| Health, Culture and Society | 30 | |
| Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies | 30 | |
| Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences | 15 | |
| Social Networks | 15 | |
| Data Visualisation | 15 | |
| Socio-Legal Studies Pathway-Specific | ||
| Dissertation | 60 | |
| Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC) | 15 | |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,650 full-time; £6,325 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,550 full-time; £12,775 part-time
Scholarships
The 樱花动漫 offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with ?7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
樱花动漫 Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the 樱花动漫 Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for 樱花动漫 alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Learning and Teaching
With the exception of the dissertation, each module on this programme is normally taught through academic lectures expanded through seminar discussion, presentations, group work, reading and?essay assignments.
Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. Work on formulating a dissertation topic begins early in the academic year and you will have an individual supervisor for your dissertation.
Research
Students?can take advantage of our?seminar series?and its long-running and highly successful annual postgraduate conference which brings together researchers from across all humanities and social sciences disciplines.
Careers
Our MRes is designed to prepare you for a successful research career. You will develop research skills expertise by designing research projects, collecting and analysing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions, that are highly valued skills in various economic sectors, including academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
The programme specifically emphasizes social research methods, providing you with a solid foundation in various research methodologies - employers often seek candidates with strong methodological skills, whether they are looking to conduct their research or evaluate existing research.
The diverse skills that are enhanced through this MRes – specifically though exposure to multiple different research methodologies - helps make graduates adaptable to various roles. This versatility is attractive to employers looking for candidates who can handle different tasks and challenges.
Specific skills that students will develop include, but are not limited to:
- Advanced independent thinking
- Opportunities to develop expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies
- The ability to construct a rigorous argument, and defend that argument citing relevant sources and analysis with qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies both written form and orally
- Managing and interpreting information
- Experience of working as an individual on challenging material
- The ability to reflect on learning, evaluate personal strengths and weakness, and map out a plan of personal development based on those reflections
- Experience of working as a participant and/or leader of a group, and of contributing effectively to the planning and achievement of that group’s objectives
Employment and professional development
Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the?employment and professional development pages?for more information, including podcasts and profiles,?about the range of support available.
