This Masters programme in Social Science Research provides excellent training and preparation for PhD or for pursuing career opportunities for research posts in the public or private sector.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time

Core courses

• Social science statistics I
• Social science statistics II
• Qualitative methods
• Introduction to social theory for researchers.

Non-credit bearing courses

• Induction (compulsory)
• IT skills and resource discovery training (compulsory)
• Advanced quantitative issues and methods (optional).

Optional courses (two chosen, subject to availability)

• Advanced qualitative methods
• Advanced qualitative research and management
• Advanced statistical analysis and model building in management
• Advanced statistical methods (public health)
• Advanced in management theory
• Conceptualising human geography: space, policy and power
• Contemporary government and governance
• Economic growth in the 20th century
• Ethics, policy and research practice
• Master class (management)
• Research resource and skills for historians
• Researching human geography: design, methods and ethics
• Sport and public policy: the case of professional football
• Studies in the history of medicine
• Understanding social research.

You may also take another 20-credit postgraduate course offered in the College of Social Sciences, subject to approval.

Dissertation

You will undertake a dissertation, normally in a field of research covered by staff research interests in the School of Social & Political Sciences, the School of Education or the Medical Research Council. 

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc

PgDip