Curious about studying MSc Social Statistics and Social Researchat University of Stirling? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
University of Stirling
Part Time
Sep 2026
2 Year
The growing need to understand human behaviour, identify societal problems, and find their solutions is driving the global social sciences and humanities services market. It’s expected to grow to £87 billion ($116 billion) in 2029 (The Business Research Company Jan 2025). Our Masters in Social Statistics and Social Research provides advanced skills in working with quantitative data and broader training on social research methods. Gain advanced social research skills On the Social Statistics and Social Research Masters degree you’ll: gain skills coveted by a wide range of public, private and voluntary organisations; learn advanced quantitative research methods; utilise national level data resources and research infrastructure (including the UK Data Service); develop the skills needed to design a research project; train in statistical and database packages used by industry such as Stata, R, and Tableau; explore data management and emerging priority research areas, such as big data and social network analysis; showcase your ability to focus on a contemporary research topic of your choice. In the Advanced Data Management and Visualisation module you'll collaborate with students from the University of Texas at Dallas. You'll take part in workshops and team up on shared projects. It's a great chance to build international connections and experience cross-cultural learning. Further study opportunities This course is ideal if you're planning to pursue PhD research. It meets Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) training guidelines. You'll also have excellent opportunities to secure PhD funding through student- or supervisor-led projects that value the advanced research and statistical skills this Masters course develops. Be part of a vibrant social research community As an MSc Social Statistics and Social Research student, you’ll become part of the dynamic Social Surveys and Social Statistics research group in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This active community hosts regular seminars and workshops. 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, and the European Commission.; Become an expert in statistical analysis and the use of social science data resources with our diverse and in-depth modules. You’ll complete 120 credits in taught modules and - for the Masters - a 15,000 word dissertation.
This module will introduce you to a range of ideas and concepts that are essential when working with social statistics but not conventionally taught to quantitative students. Rather than concentrating on the mechanics of methods, this module focuses on data management and visualisation skills, which are necessary for conducting and communicating high-quality, replicable work.
When quantitative methods are used in real-life social research projects, it is common that they will make use of one of the more ‘advanced’ approaches to data analysis. Typically, it happens in the form of extensions or adjustments to techniques that respond to complex or non-standard features of the data being analysed or the social processes that are being studied.
This non-credited induction module will help you to be aware of important skills and resources linked to the effective exploitation of information technology and library resources in your studies and social research.
In today's world, we're surrounded by data. Statistics and data are a part of our daily lives and are not simply abstract numbers. Statistics are widely used in the media, in businesses, in political decision-making and to justify policy change. Having the skills and confidence to critically evaluate statistics and data is increasingly important for everyone.
There are diverse approaches to methodology design, such as hypothesis led, inductive and deductive enquiry, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. This module teaches methods of designing research projects, how to critique the design of other projects, and how to prepare research applications.
This module provides a theoretical, empirical and methodological understanding of social network analysis. This is the study of how our social connections impact our actions, attitudes and behaviours as well as how the structure of connections between entities (whether people, countries, companies or any other thing) influences outcomes.
In the module, you’ll learn the differences between ‘big data’ and ‘big good data’ and how to critically engage with the potential for data to provide robust evidence to understand and explain social phenomena.
Students taking the Masters in Social Statistics and Social Research engage in a research dissertation (module ‘SSSP010’) as an important part of their programme (counting for 60 credits). The dissertation is undertaken through independent study, supported by a personal supervisor with whom regular meetings are held across the academic year, and supported by a small number of cohort activities over the year.
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