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MRes|Postgraduate Taught

Social Science Research

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2 (minimum 55%) in cognate / 2.1 in non-cognate
Duration
3 years (Part-time)
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
30 (Part Time)
30 (Full Time)

This programme provides practical, career-orientated training in social science research methods, including research design, data collection and data analysis relating to both qualitative and quantitative modes of inquiry.

Students will have the opportunity to specialise in particular methodologies and to learn more about the application of these methodologies to illuminate important issues and debates in contemporary society.

The MRes is designed to develop critical understanding of contemporary issues for both those interested in developing academic and research-oriented careers and those who are interested in improving their research skills and critical understanding for practical employment-orientated careers.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4pm. Late applications may be considered.

We are a Russell Group University and train students as part of a prestigious Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) doctoral research partnership. As a research-intensive School our degrees are informed by the latest developments and debates.

Social Science Research highlights

Student Experience

Key features include:
- Advanced skills in designing social research projects, including both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Consideration of ethical aspects of using specific methods of data collection, both qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Opportunity to become familiar and training in commonly used software, e.g., SPSS and NVivo.
- Opportunity to design and conduct an individual research project, with specialist dissertation supervision from a dedicated member of staff.
- Option to partner with the Science Shop and develop a research project in collaboration with a community and voluntary sector organisation.
- Students can also avail of additional training courses and opportunities for networking offered by The Graduate School and avail of the excellent facilities and services provided by the McClay library.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/graduate-school/

Internationally Renowned Experts

Over 88% of research submitted by colleagues from Criminology, Social Policy, Sociology and Social Work to the Social Policy and Social Work Unit of Assessment was judged to be World Leading or Internationally Excellent. This is an endorsement of the quality of our research and its impacts in areas such as the penal system, mental health and trauma. Much of our research is undertaken in partnership with the health, social care and criminal justice sectors.

We are an international teaching team and are committed to research-led teaching, with modules reflecting our diverse range of expertise.

World Class Facilities

ESRC doctoral research partnership: The programme delivers training for QUB students as part of the ESRC NINE Doctoral Training Partnership.
https://www.ninedtp.ac.uk/

Industry Links

You have the option to partner with the Science Shop and develop a research project in collaboration with a community and voluntary sector organisation.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/ScienceShop/

Student Experience

Transferable Skills: advanced social research methods training, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will have the opportunity to specialise in particular methods and topics and become familiar with commonly used software, e.g. SPSS and NVivo.

Student Choice: we have a wide and varied range of modules, reflecting staff expertise in research methodologies and substantive areas. The dissertation allows students the opportunity to specialise and conduct research in a topic of their own choice, guided by an academic supervisor.

Flexibility: the programme is usually delivered in evenings and full day/half day sessions, including weekends. The programme can be taken full-time or part-time (2-3 years options are available). Students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, on successful completion of 60 or 120 CATS respectively.

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

The programme is designed to provide a fundamental grounding in both quantitative and qualitative research skills, along with the opportunity to specialise in new methods and in practical applications of research techniques.

The MRes is awarded to students who successfully complete taught modules amounting to 120 CATS and a research dissertation (60 CATS points).

The programme can be completed in one year on a full-time basis or over two or three years part-time.

The modules are delivered via a mixture of traditional lecture, seminar, workshop and computer lab class. Students are expected to undertake a substantial amount of independent study at this level. Master’s students completing a dissertation will meet one-to-one with their academic supervisor throughout the course of their studies to provide guidance on their project.

People teaching you

Programme Director

SSESW
Email: k.lloyd@qub.ac.uk

Teaching Times

The programme is usually delivered in evenings and full day/half day sessions, including weekends.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Learning and Teaching Methods

The modules are delivered via a mixture of traditional lectures, seminars, workshops and computer lab classes. Some lectures may involve online teaching. Students are expected to undertake independent study.

Students completing a dissertation will meet one-to-one with their academic supervisor throughout the course of their studies to provide guidance on their project.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • An overall mark of 50 per cent is required to pass each module.

    Modules have a broad range of methods of assessment, from traditional essay through to short research reports involving original analysis of data. Some modules also offer not only summative assessment but also the valuable opportunity for formative assessment, i.e., for feedback on their work which does not contribute towards the final module mark, but which will enable the student to better perform in their final assessment.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

What our academics say

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Research Design (20 credits)
    Dissertation (60 credits)

    Optional Modules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a social science or related discipline (eg. Sociology, Crmininology, Political Science).

Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University if the degree is in a non-related discipline.

Applicants holding a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) in a non-related discipline may be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in a relevant context.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4pm.

Late applications may be considered.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Modules

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Research skills are highly transferable and marketable, and valued across a range of sectors – academic, government, charities and business. MRes students receive excellent advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative research skills and gain experience of independent project management through the dissertation. Graduates can use their qualification to develop a career in any aspect of social research. The MRes is also ideal high-level preparation for doctoral research (PhD).

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Employment after the Course

After graduation, students are well placed to continue on to doctoral study, applying their research skills to carry out an in-depth investigation of a particular topic. Past graduates have secured funded PhDs on a variety of topics, from cyber surveillance to educational inequality. Some students have moved into careers in social research or used their qualification to upskill in their current job, for example, in charities or government departments.

Employment Links

Social science research skills are useful in a range of sectors - academia, government, charities and business. Our graduates are working with a range of employers, from Barnardos to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £21,500
International £21,500

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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