Birkbeck, University of London
Social Research and Psychosocial Studies MRes
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our MRes Social Research and Psychosocial Studies is an interdisciplinary social science training programme designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace or for MPhil/PhD study.

The course covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses alongside substantive courses in the area of psychosocial studies. You will also carry out an independent dissertation, putting into practice the methods and theoretical concepts you have been taught.

The course provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.

Highlights

  • Rigorous training in a range of contemporary social research methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Focuses on research design, addressing critical issues in social research.
  • Interdisciplinary, theoretically informed and creative approach to research, forming an excellent foundation for doctoral progression.
  • Birkbeck has three research institutes of relevance to students on this degree: Birkbeck Institute for Social Research, Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities and Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality. Each organises regular talks and masterclasses, which our students can attend.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in government departments, think tanks, NGOs, the Civil Service and political parties. Possible professions include:

  • social researcher
  • government social researcher
  • human resources officer
  • higher education lecturer
  • politician’s assistant.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

In Intermediate Quantitative Social Research, assessment is based on a research project and a final examination. In the other modules, assessment is by coursework, including essays, reports and portfolios.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Social Research and Psychosocial Studies, MRes, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.

We will review every postgraduate application to Birkbeck on its individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Social Research and Psychosocial Studies MRes

England UK £10800 year 1
Northern Ireland £10800 year 1
Scotland £10800 year 1
Wales £10800 year 1
International £19830 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

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Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

See all 22 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
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Where is this programme taught

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FAQ about Social Research and Psychosocial Studies MRes Birkbeck, University of London

  • Tuition fees for this programme are 5400 per year for UK students. In addition to the tuition fees you should also take into consideration the average monthly cost of living for students in the UK.

  • Social Research and Psychosocial Studies MRes is taught on campus and cannot be taken online at Birkbeck, University of London.