Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,895 for the course
Course summary
- Learn social research methods and the supporting theories and philosophies.
- Develop areas of specialist interests and integrate these into your methodological training.
- Benefit from discussing research issues with students from other postgraduate and doctoral courses.
Focus on research specialisms encompassing sociology, social policy, politics, criminology, education studies, urban studies, youth studies and cultural studies. Study a range of research methodologies including interview-based narrative and biographical research, case studies, media analysis and statistical analysis of large data sets. Critique current developments, then design and conduct your own original research.
Graduate view
'The course was a perfect mix of social theory combined with practical research. It gave me the confidence and experience needed to secure my current job. I'm now working for a housing association in a policy and service development role.'
Pete Crean, MRes Social Science, 2018 graduate
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
The course includes a research-based dissertation, which may become a pilot study towards a PhD. Several recent students have gone onto doctoral level study. You can also take individual modules as short courses or combine them towards a PgDip/PgCert Research Methods in Social Science Research Methods.
You learn through
- essays
- research projects
- presentations
- research proposals
Course leaders and tutors
Dr Bob Jeffery
Senior Lecturer in SociologyStaff profile for Dr Bob Jeffery, Senior Lecturer in Sociology
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- nursing
- research administration
- high executive officer positions
- the probation service
- research and lecturing
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for
- BMI General Healthcare
- Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield
- Graduate Centre, Sheffield Hallam University
- Department for Education and Employment
- National Probation Service
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry requirements
All students
Typically a 2.2 degree in a suitable subject. For example,sociology, social policy, criminology, cultural studies, youth studies, education, politics, urban studies, human geography, community studies, subcultural studies, audience studies, health policy, sexualities, policing, and drug rehabilitation. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
International students must have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skill areas.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Dissertation (Social Sciences) | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Philosophies Of Research: Classical Social Theory | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Philosophies Of Research: Contemporary Social Theory | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Principles Of Methodology: Positivist Tradition | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Principles Of Methodology: Social Constructionism | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Qualitative Research 1 | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Survey Method 1: Design And Application | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Discourse And Linguistic Theory And Analysis | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Qualitative Research 2 | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Survey Method 2: Descriptive Analysis And Statistical Significance | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Survey Method 3: Modelling Survey Data | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £8,745 for the course.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,895 for the course.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Sociology and politics courses (PDF, 217.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
