MRes Social Science Research
Belfast, United Kingdom
M.Res. (Master of Research)
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
14 Aug 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 23,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee
This programme provides practical, career-oriented 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 a 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-oriented careers.
Closing date for applications: Friday 31st July 2026 at 4 pm. Late applications may be considered.
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 with and receive 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.
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.
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.
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 year options are available). Students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, on successful completion of 60 or 120 CATS, respectively.
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.
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.
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.
Core Modules
- Qualitative Data Analysis (10 credits)
- The Sources and Construction of Quantitative Data (10 credits)
- Dissertation (60 credits)
- Theory and Debates in Social Research (20 credits)
- Research Design (20 credits)
- Quantitative Data Analysis: Foundational (10 credits)
- The Sources and Construction of Qualitative Data (10 credits)
- Quantitative Data Analysis: Intermediate (10 credits)
Optional Modules
- Qualitative Research with Children and Young People (10 credits)
- Inequality and Emotions (10 credits)
- Social Divisions, Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland: New Sociological Research (10 credits)
- Social Science Research On-line (10 credits)
- Exploring Technology in Contem (10 credits)
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.