Social Sciences MRes

On this course, you'll discover the methodological, theoretical and interpersonal competencies needed to become a successful researcher, focusing on key challenges facing societies today.

You'll develop your practical skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods across the social sciences. Foster your capacity to develop and undertake advanced social scientific research and analysis.

The course will also strengthen your skills in collaborating with other researchers, stakeholders, organisations and the wider public. As well as enabling you to conduct high-quality analytical work related to your areas of interest, the MRes will enhance a variety of abilities, such as:

• Critical data analysis
• Organisational and team working skills
• Information resourcing and evaluation

To build your professional network, you can collaborate with a range of partners who may help to inform your research area of choice. These include (but aren't limited to):

• Local government - Combined Mayoral Authority, Local Police Forces
• The civil service - DEFRA, the Cabinet Office
• Third sector organisations - Environment Agency, IDAS, Changing Lives, RSPCA
• Arts organisations - Aesthetica Film Festival, Door 84

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. The course will take 1 year to complete full time and 2 years part time.

You will study 2 modules worth 30 credits each, as well as 1 module worth 120 credits.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the course specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will learn advanced skills in research approaches through a range of teaching and learning methods. Through a mixture of workshops, seminars and one-to-one supervision, you'll explore critical thinking through application, working with active researchers. Areas of focus that may include:

• Social inequalities
• Deviant leisure
• Gender and the body
• Interactive entertainment
• Health and wellbeing
• Criminal justice

The Thesis module is supported via individual supervisory meetings. You will collaborate with experienced researchers who will be able to offer personalise guidance and mentorship through the module. This one-to-one approach means you will receive personal and tailored support whilst carrying out your research.

Assessment

Our assessment methods will evaluate both your theoretical knowledge and practical research skills. You will participate in critiques of published work in the style of peer-review. Your final assessment is your thesis that will report the findings of your research.

As well as written assessments, you will be called upon to orally justify your work. Staff from across the directorate will interrogate your findings, requiring you to defend the points make within your projects.

Qualifications

You must meet the University’s general entry criteria for postgraduate study. In addition, you must have:

A 2:1 in social sciences or a closely-related discipline.

If your first degree is not in social sciences, your application will be reviewed to ensure you have covered sufficient levels of social science and research methods during their first degree.

If your first language is not English you should have IELTS at grade 6.5 or above (including a minimum of 6.5 in the writing component) or another acceptable English Language qualification.

UK 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to the Social Sciences MRes is:

• £7,000 for full time study
• £3,500 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2025 - 2026 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to the Education MRes is:

• £11,800 for full time study
• £5,900 per year for part time study

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Social Sciences MRes take you?

This course will provide you with the knowledge and transferable skills you will need to progress in the world of social sciences, whether in to senior leadership roles or further research.

You'll gain valuable skills and knowledge that can make you a desired candidate for jobs within:

• Police and crime prevention
• Social services
• Law and legal services
• Data analysis
• Local, regional and national government, and the civil service
• Third sector organisations and NGOs

Academic and research roles

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £8,000 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2019)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.