Is the MA Social Research Methods more quantitative or qualitative?

Both, in roughly equal weight at master's depth. Mixed-methods is increasingly the UK applied research standard and the course reflects that. Students wishing to specialise more heavily in either direction can do so through dissertation choice and elective module weighting.

What statistical software does the MA Social Research Methods cover?

SPSS as core and R at applied competence. Stata is touched lightly. NVivo and equivalent are taught for qualitative work. Software literacy is one of the things UK research recruiters specifically test for and the course treats it as core.

Does the MA Social Research Methods prepare me for Government Social Research?

It is one of the standard credentials for GSR entry, building the methods, ethics and report-writing foundations GSR analysts use daily. GSR entry is competitive and merit-based; the MA provides credible training and a research portfolio.

Can I take the MA Social Research Methods part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are available. Live methods seminars continue remotely with software work in cloud-based environments.

What dissertation topics can I do on the MA Social Research Methods?

Past dissertations have included topics on a council adult-social-care service evaluation, longitudinal analysis of UK youth political engagement, a realist evaluation of an NHS community mental-health programme, and narrative analysis of refugee resettlement experience. Subject is your choice, agreed with your supervisor.

MA Social Research Methods in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Social Research Methods at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for working social researchers, evaluation consultants, policy analysts and senior charity programme staff who want master's-level depth in the applied research methods UK commissioning teams actually use. You will work through advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, study evaluation frameworks at master's intensity, and complete a 12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a research methods or applied research question of your choice.

The MA Social Research Methods is built for the working UK applied research market — Government Social Research standards, council and NHS commissioning practice, and the evaluation frameworks UK funders now expect. By graduation you can scope a commissioned study, lead the methods design, and produce reports that survive sustained commissioning review.

Key Features

Advanced quantitative methods — regression in depth, longitudinal analysis, basic causal inference methods.
Advanced qualitative methods — narrative analysis, discourse analysis, sustained ethnographic practice.
Mixed-methods research design — sequential, concurrent and transformative designs.
Evaluation methods at master's depth — theory of change, contribution analysis, realist evaluation, AMEC impact frameworks.
Statistical software training — SPSS and R at applied competence; NVivo and equivalent for qualitative work.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a research methods or applied research question, supervised across the year.

What You Will Learn

The MA Social Research Methods is structured around three strands — advanced methods, evaluation, and applied research practice. You graduate able to scope and lead a commissioned applied research project, choose appropriate methods, run fieldwork ethically and produce reports a senior commissioning team can act on.

Advanced research design — research question construction, mixed-methods sequencing, sampling at scale.
Advanced quantitative methods — multiple regression, logistic regression, longitudinal analysis, basic causal inference.
Advanced qualitative methods — narrative analysis, discourse analysis, sustained ethnographic practice.
Statistical software — SPSS and R for working analyst standard.
Qualitative software — NVivo and equivalent for thematic and narrative analysis at scale.
Evaluation methods — theory of change, contribution analysis, realist evaluation, Most Significant Change.
Impact measurement — AMEC framework, behavioural metrics, monetised social value.
Research ethics — SRA Ethics Guidelines at master's depth, complex consent situations, post-research obligations.
Commissioned report writing — structure, executive summary, evidence presentation, recommendations.

Who This MA Is For

Working social researchers and evaluation consultants ready for master's-level professional development.
Council, NHS and charity programme staff moving into senior research, evaluation or commissioning roles.
Bachelor's graduates in social research, sociology, psychology or related fields planning a research career.
Career-changers from policy, journalism or international development moving into senior applied research work.

Career Pathways

UK applied social research is a substantial postgraduate employer across Government Social Research, council research, NHS service evaluation, third-sector research and consultancy. MA graduates typically progress into senior research, evaluation or commissioning roles. Typical destinations include:

Community Development Officer (senior — London borough, county council)
Social Researcher (Government Social Research, council research, consultancy)
Local Authority Officer (senior — research-led policy or equalities)
Charity Programme Manager (senior — national or local charity, evaluation lead)
Public Engagement Lead (senior — NHS trust, housing association)
Evaluation Consultant (senior — independent consultancy, in-house evaluation team)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in social research methods or applied social science.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant research experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, research background and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.