Develop the skills and knowledge to become a highly capable social science researcher.
Year of entry: 2026 (September)
Prepare for a career in social science research.
Develop highly sought after practical research skills. You'll experience exceptional teaching in both qualitative and quantitive research methods. You'll develop interview and other data collection techniques. You'll also become proficient in methods of data analysis, including visual, conversation and regression analysis. By equipping yourself with these skills, you'll be able to take your research career to the next level.
Understand the role and responsibilities of a social researcher. You'll acquire the skills and expertise to confidently manage the full life-cycle of social science research. You'll be well-prepared to conceive and lead ethical strategic research projects.
Open to a range of backgrounds. This course is suitable for students from a variety of academic backgrounds. Regardless of your previous study, our introductory modules will support you to be well versed in the different methods used in social science research. As you progress, you'll learn to be confident in applying these methods.
The MA is recognised by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), so it's ideal if you are seeking ESRC funding for a PhD. This recognition also demonstrates the high quality of the training you'll receive.
You'll study 60 credits across the duration of your course
You'll study core modules and undertake a dissertation. You'll choose option modules to complement your research interests.
We cannot accept credit transfer or recognition of prior learning in place of any of the core modules on this course, as outlined in the ESRC Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
The modules gave me a safe testing ground for various methodological approaches, and helped me grasp the essential tenets of effective research. I also think that the course is a massive boost to those who want to advance their careers in various different sectors. For example, a lot of my peers on the course were looking forward to applying the skills they'd gained in their existing roles within the charity sector, social work and education.
Paul, MA Social Research graduate, current PhD student
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £6,010 | £13,470 |
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
You may need to buy a small number of textbooks. Printing costs will depend on if you prefer to read online or on paper.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
We are pleased to work with Chevening Scholars to offer funding for our Masters programmes. Chevening Scholarships provide one year of fully-funded postgraduate study in the UK for international (including EU) students. The scholarships are open to early and mid-career professionals who have the potential to become future leaders.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, lab work and one-to-one supervision. We offer a personal approach to learning with much of our teaching conducted in small groups.
A member of the teaching staff will act as your supervisor throughout the degree, to help guide your studies and monitor progress.
You will be based in the Department of Sociology on Campus East. Most of your contact hours will be on Campus East.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You'll be assessed through a variety of methods including ‘open’ essays (where an assignment is prepared in your own time), presentations and group work.
I've enjoyed thinking at an academic level again, especially about new concepts that have developed since I finished my undergraduate degree.
Graduates finish this course well equipped to pursue further graduate study in this field. You will also gain relevant and highly sought-after skills that qualify you for a research career in academic institutions, local and central government or commercial research.
Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we'll help you find your career advantage.
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant subject. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Get in touch if you have any questions
