Birkbeck, University of London
Social Research MSc
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Social Research MSc and other courses in languages and area studies at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in languages and area studies .

Overall student satisfaction
77 /100
10 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in CAH19

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of languages and area studies at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £33500 £18000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £24500 - £45000 £9500 - £27500 £11500 - £43000


Salary of all UK Graduates of CAH19

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25625 £23693 £27744
25-75 percentile range £22269 - £29904 £17937 - £29563 £21216 - £36573

Course Description

Our social research postgraduate course is an interdisciplinary social science training programme designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace or for MPhil/PhD study.

We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation

MSc Social Research: Our MSc covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses. You 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. Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research: Our Postgraduate Certificate is designed for people working in social research or related areas who find themselves needing a stronger grounding in formal qualitative and quantitative research methods. There is an emphasis on applying research techniques, including interviewing, focus groups and data analysis using SPSS. Epistemological issues in designing research projects are also addressed. Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research: Our Postgraduate Diploma is designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace. The course covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses. It provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.

Highlights

  • Rigorous training in a range of contemporary social research methods.
  • Excellent foundation for doctoral social research.
  • Interdisciplinary, theoretically informed and creative approach to research.
  • Exemplifies methods with a wide range of interesting examples from topical areas of social research.

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.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Social Research MSc at Birkbeck, University of London

20% Process, plant and machine operatives
10% Engineering professionals
10% Elementary occupations
10% Engineering professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Skilled trades occupations
5% Process, plant and machine operatives
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Elementary occupations

The modules in Qualitative and Quantitative Social Research require you to submit a research project and sit a three-hour examination in May/June. The other modules are assessed by coursework.

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, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a social science or other relevant subject. Other qualifications may also be considered.

Applications are reviewed on their 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 MSc

England UK £7200 year 1
Northern Ireland £7200 year 1
Scotland £7200 year 1
Wales £7200 year 1
International £13220 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

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

Rankings of Birkbeck, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #30 
    • #176 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #31 
    • #251 
    Sociology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

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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