Overview
There’s a growing demand for skilled social researchers who can understand human behaviour, tackle complex issues, and drive real change. The social sciences and humanities services market size is expected to grow to £87 billion ($116 billion) in 2029 (source: The Business Research Company Jan 2025).
Our MSc in Applied Social Research at Stirling gives you the tools to meet that demand. You’ll learn to design and conduct high-quality social research that shapes policy and informs practice.
Develop advanced social research skills
On this Applied Social Research Masters you’ll:
- learn to collect, analyse and present qualitative and quantitative data ethically and effectively;
- use statistical and database software packages including Stata and NVivo;
- critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research;
- develop your understanding of the relationship between research and policymaking;
- gain the skills needed to design a research project;
- apply your learning to produce a dissertation on an area of personal interest. This could include criminology, migration, substance use, digital platforms and their implications, social networks and big data. A successful recent project, for example, assessed whether an 'inverse care law' applied to social care provision in Scotland, and reported upon a complicated picture of inequalities in experiences.
Be part of an active social research community
As an Applied Social Research Masters student, you’ll be taught by expert staff who are engaged in cutting edge social research projects.
You'll be part of a research community with a strong track record of attracting major research funding from:
- Research Councils
- Government
- independent and charitable funders
- European Commission
Further academic study opportunities
This course is ideal if you're planning to pursue PhD research. It meets Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) training guidelines for a PhD in the social sciences and for interdisciplinary PhD projects or pathways.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
Our MSc Applied Social Research is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies. Its provision is also appropriate for ESRC-recognised interdisciplinary PhD projects or pathways.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
When you study Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling, you’ll be introduced to pioneering empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment.
Underpinning the expertise of our staff, the University of Stirling scored highly in the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021 – a UK-wide assessment of universities’ research output. In the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment, we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Boost your research skills and expand your knowledge with in-depth postgraduate modules and a dissertation project.
The MSc in Applied Social Research requires 120 credits in taught modules (usually by taking six 20-credit modules) and a dissertation (worth 60 credits). The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Research requires 120 credits in taught modules.
Modules
Teaching
Teaching methods are designed for each module to help you develop new skills and make continuous progress. You’ll participate in lectures, seminars, tutorials, computer-based workshops and group work.
If you're studying the course full-time, you'll usually take three 20-credit modules in both the Autumn and Spring semesters. You'll also complete your dissertation in the Autumn, Spring and Summer semesters.
If you're studying part-time, you'll usually take one or two 20-credit modules in each Autumn and Spring Semester. You'll complete your dissertation over the course of your second year.
Fieldwork
The dissertation in an independent empirical research project which may involve some level of fieldwork activity depending upon methodology. Any fieldwork activity in this context is planned with and supported by an allocated personal supervisor.
Assessment
Whether you’re a full-time or part-time MSc/PgDip student, you’ll experience a range of different forms of
Classroom hours
During Autumn and Spring semesters, most modules run one morning or one afternoon of scheduled teaching sessions each week. Timetabling is coordinated whenever possible, and in most circumstances, classes will not be run on more than two different days per week throughout a semester (although other optional activities may sometimes be available on other weekdays).
There are not normally any scheduled classes that run in the Summer semester, though you will usually arrange to meet your dissertation supervisor on a few occasions within that period.
Course director
Professor Paul Lambert, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
The full-time option for this course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
You'll graduate from the Masters in Applied Social Research equipped for a successful social research career or to go onto further PhD study. Careers could be in organisations such as:
- Research agencies – some have social research dedicated sections
- Charities, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, pressure and lobby groups
- Academic research
- Government – central and local
- Health Authorities
- The Office for National Statistics
- Independent research institutes
Types of jobs could include:
- Social research officer
- Government social research officer
- Research analyst
- Market researcher
- Data analyst
You're likely to earn between £35,000 and £60,000 as a senior social researcher. Salaries at manager/director level can rise to £70,000+, depending on the sector and your location (Prospects).
Stirling graduates have gone into varied roles such as:
- Quantitative Data Analyst
- Clinical Data Co-ordinator
- Population Health Research Data Collection Assistant
- PhD Research Student (followed by academic posts such as lecturer/professor)
- Research Assistant
- Research Associate
- Senior Research Officer
- Planning, Performance and Risk Manager
- UX Researcher
- Business Intelligence Analyst
The organisations graduates work for include:
- NHS Research Scotland
- CELCIS (Centre of Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection)
- The Scottish Government
- South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
- Scottish Prison Service
- Police Scotland
- Glasgow City Council
