Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci)

The University of Glasgow’s Q-Step Centre offers programmes which develop your quantitative skills or, in other words, your ability to handle data and use numerical evidence.

Developing quantitative skills and your confidence in using them will really enhance your insight and understanding of the key issues you encounter in your chosen field of study.

September start
Session dates
Central & East European Studies with Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci) (Hons): RG73 4 year degree
Economic & Social History with Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci) (Hons): VG33 4 year degree
International Relations with Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci) (Hons): L2G3 4 year degree
Politics with Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci) (Hons): LG23 4 year degree
Social & Public Policy with Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci) (Hons): LG43 4 year degree
Sociology with Quantitative Methods MA(SocSci) (Hons): LG33 4 year degree

Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus

Apply via UCAS

Programme structure

The University of Glasgow Q-Step Centre offers six degree programmes that integrate quantitative skills training within the School of Social & Political Sciences. All of these programmes aim to engage you with meaningful ways of understanding the social world.

We will teach you how to understand and analyse quantitative results, as well as how to present your own, and how to discuss their substantive implications.

These are essential skills for understanding quantitative evidence presented in academic literature, and also for interrogating data in public media and government reports.

Around one quarter of your study time will be devoted to quantitative methods. Our degrees also offer you the possibility to gain valuable experience by participating in internships with selected high-profile employers.

MA (SocSci) Sociology with Quantitative Methods

Sociology studies the ways that people organise their lives together, the constraints within which they do so, the patterns of their social behaviour, and the causes and consequences of social inequalities. Sociology at Glasgow combines sociological, criminological and anthropological perspectives.

Sociology

MA (SocSci) Politics with Quantitative Methods

Politics is the study of the way power and influence are distributed within society and how this affects decision-making within and among countries and states. You will study the ideas which inform and explain political activity alongside political institutions and behaviour.

Politics

MA (SocSci) Social & Public Policy with Quantitative Methods

Social and Public Policy focuses on social problems such as poverty, homelessness and ill-health. The programme applies ideas from political science, sociology and economics to explore how governments shape their responses, and to understand the impacts of public policy on society.

Social & Public Policy

MA (SocSci) Central & East European Studies with Quantitative Methods

You will study the history, economics, politics and sociology of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. You will chart developments including processes of economic and territorial change, aspects of social and cultural diversity, migration and the role of the media. In addition, you will have the opportunity to study Hungarian,Czech, Polish, or Russian.

Central & East European Studies

MA (SocSci) Economic & Social History with Quantitative Methods

Economic and Social History is the study of the way societies change in their economic activities and social organisation. You will study how people in the past lived and worked, and how this has affected the development of today’s world.

Economic & Social History

MA (SocSci) International Relations with Quantitative Methods

International relations is the study of how states and national societies interact across borders, especially in the areas of political, military, economic and cultural relations.

International Relations

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Entry requirements

for entry in 2025

Summary of entry requirements for Quantitative Methods

SQA Higher entry requirements

AAABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA. (AB may be considered)
Higher Mathematics is recommended.

SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)

MD20: ABBBB (also other target groups*)
MD40: AAABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.

* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.

Widening Participation Articulation Programmes

The University has bespoke HNC Articulation Programmes running at various colleges, offering direct entry to Year 2 of this degree.

HNC Articulation Programmes: information and eligibility criteria

A-level standard entry requirements

AAB – BBB
Additional requirements: A-level English or Humanities subject.

IB standard entry requirements

36 (6,6,5)
Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.

Admissions guidance

Find out more about entry requirements and alternative qualifications

English language

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

English language requirements

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

6.5 with no sub-test under 6.0.
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)

90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

PTE (Academic)

60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

65%.
Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

Cambridge English Qualifications

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

School Qualifications

iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, grade C
International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6

Alternatives to English Language qualification

Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
Masters degree from English speaking country
Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact External Relations

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

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.

Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study

Career prospects

Social scientists with quantitative skills are able to evaluate evidence, analyse data, and design and commission research. These skills are increasingly demanded across a wide range of professions and sectors, including government, business, charities and academia.

Degrees and UCAS codes

Quantitative Methods can only be taken with the following degrees, with Quantitative Methods modules studied from year 2.

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

MA(SocSci) (Hons)

Central & East European Studies with Quantitative Methods: RG73 (4 years)

Economic & Social History with Quantitative Methods: VG33 (4 years)

International Relations with Quantitative Methods: L2G3 (4 years)

Politics with Quantitative Methods: LG23 (4 years)

Social & Public Policy with Quantitative Methods: LG43 (4 years)

Sociology with Quantitative Methods: LG33 (4 years)

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

College of Social Sciences Deans' Award

The College of Social Sciences is offering two scholarships worth £10,000 each towards tuition fees for academically excellent students wishing to study an Undergraduate programme within the College’s programme portfolio for 2024 entry.

College of Social Sciences Deans' Award

Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has a number of Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2024 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.

Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

EU Welcome Award

The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.

We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the EU Welcome Award to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.

EU Welcome Award

James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2024 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.

James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship

Beaconhouse Schools

The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.

Beaconhouse Schools

Undergraduate Talent Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2024 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.

Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.

Undergraduate Talent Scholarships

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary

Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of providing financial support to talented students who, for reasons of financial hardship, might not be able to take a place at university. Our RoI Access Bursary is part of our commitment to continue to attract and support students from a diverse range of backgrounds. For 2023 entry, the RoI bursary will be up to £2,000 for your first year of study and £1,000 for continuing years.

Payments of the RoI Access Bursary will be detailed in your Award Letter.

The RoI Access Bursary will be awarded as a cash payment.
The RoI Access Bursary will be paid in 10 instalments from October until July; this award is based on household income
The RoI Access Bursary will only be awarded in years where tuition fees of £9,250 apply

Please see here for up to date information and criteria for 2024 entry.

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Access Bursary

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship

The RoI Excellence Scholarship of £1,000 for each year of study will be awarded to first degree entrants who have attained at Irish Higher grades H1, H1, H1, H2, H2 from the Irish Leaving Certificate for 2023 entry. Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine applicants are not eligible for this award.

Payments

The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be processed as a cash payment.
The RoI Excellence Scholarship will be paid in 2 instalments.
The first payment will be in October and the second payment will be in February.

These payments will be credited to the UK bank account held on your MyCampus profile; therefore, it is vital that this is up to date at the start of the session. By submitting your bank details on the MyCampus system, you are confirming that you agree with the terms and conditions of the award.

Please see here for further information and eligibility criteria for 2024 entry.

Republic of Ireland (RoI) Excellence Scholarship

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study in the academic year 2024-25

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2024/25. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.

The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.

Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.

Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.

Sanctuary Scholarships

The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.

The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

How to apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.

Widening Participation

International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.

Application deadlines

16 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
31 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
30 June: international students.

We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.

It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.