MSc Social Research

Develop advanced social science research skills and prepare to make a substantial contribution to organisations, policy makers and academic debates. Supported by our expert researchers, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience of essential qualitative and quantitative research methods for social sciences, alongside core skills in research design, methodology and critical analysis.

The MSc in Social Research at Lancaster University is ideal for those preparing for doctoral study or seeking research expertise for careers in policy, public service, think tanks, or the voluntary sector.

Why Lancaster?

• Learn from leading academic experts whose cutting-edge research is shaping the social sciences in the UK and globally
• Combine hands-on practical research design and project work with a real-world focus
• Join a vibrant and supportive research environment with access to world-class resources, and research centres
• Benefit from individual mentorship from one of our renowned academics and direct contact with our team of leading researchers
• Boost your career with demonstrable expertise in social science research
• Become PhD-ready on a programme that has supported students funded by the ESRC and the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP)

Expert-led, research-informed teaching

At Lancaster, you’ll join a vibrant intellectual environment within the School of Social Sciences. Renowned for high-quality teaching and research, we are consistently in the world top 100 for Sociology (QS World Subject Rankings).

By joining the MSc in Social Research, you become a part of our multi-disciplinary research community and can benefit from our staff’s experience of taking core research skills into exciting new directions.

Impactful and relevant

We know that strong research depends upon not only personal curiosity and dedication, but also strong networks that support inspiring discussions, constructive feedback, energising collaborations, and impactful results. We engage with research communities, public discussions and contribute to social change. Our staff and students regularly contribute to important public discussions through blogs, lectures, media appearances, podcasts and social media.

On this programme, you will combine deep intellectual engagement with hands-on practice and build your confidence and capacity to carry out methodologically robust social research that makes a difference.

Advanced training

This programme emphasises a scientific and systematic approach to social research. You’ll acquire the critical and analytical tools to engage with pressing social issues and the confidence to design and carry out theoretically informed, methodologically rigorous research. You will:

• Train in research design, qualitative methods, and critical quantitative methods
• Develop core skills in data analysis, presentation, and research communication
• Learn to frame research questions, evaluate evidence, and make informed methodological decisions
• Undertake collaborative research

These skills are embedded through hands-on learning and reflexive practice, supported by authentic assessments designed to build the confidence, capacity and competencies to equip you for a future career in social research.

Tailor your research

With expert supervision and access to world-class resources, you’ll be able to shape your learning around your own interests helping you connect methodological training to the issues that matter to you and the organisations and communities you engage with.

An optional module will help you explore how advanced methodological questions intersect with key areas of social concern—such as environment and sustainability, crime and deviance, criminal justice, gender and ethnicity, technology, data, and AI. Your choice of option allows you to engage more deeply with a topic of personal or professional interest and to tailor the direction of your independent research.

Finally, you'll undertake a dissertation: a sustained piece of independent research supported by expert academic supervision. In this piece of work, you will consolidate and apply your learning, engage with emerging debates of specific interest, and develop an original contribution to knowledge in an area that matters to you.

A research community

At Lancaster, you’ll join a vibrant research community with opportunities to take part in coffee mornings, film screenings, public events, seminars, and international conferences hosted by staff and students. These events offer space to exchange ideas, develop new projects, and engage with a diverse range of public groups and organisations.

The MSc in Social Research offers the ideal foundation for your next steps—whether in academic research or a professional role that requires expert skills in social science research to influence social change.