Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £16,385 for the course
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Course summary
- Learn social research methods and the supporting theories and philosophies.
- Develop areas of specialist interests to integrate into your methodological training.
- Discuss research issues with students from other postgraduate and doctoral courses.
- Critique current developments and conduct your own original research.
On this course, you’ll focus on research specialisms encompassing sociology, social policy, politics, criminology, education studies, urban studies, youth studies and cultural studies. You’ll study a range of research methodologies – including interview-based narrative and biographical research, case studies, media analysis and statistical analysis of large data sets.
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
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 postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or certificate (PgCert) in Research Methods in Social Science.
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
Applied learning
Work placements
The entire MRes programme is geared towards applied learning – providing the skills (methodological, analytical, theoretical and practical) you’ll need to manage real-world research projects. These skills will be showcased in your extended dissertation.
Beyond this, you’ll have the opportunity to arrange a two-week long work placement with one of Sheffield Hallam University’s externally facing research centres – such as the Centre for Development and Research in Education, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies. This will give you valuable insight into the world of policy-oriented research.
In addition to this, you will also be able to access the Professional Skills for Research Leadership programme of events, which provides advice and skills for those seeking to pursue research careers inside and outside of academia.
Live projects
In the Sociology subject group, we conduct real-world research projects and publish academic books and articles in a wide range of areas. These include postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality, research methods and reflexivity, addiction and recovery, health policy, social class and class identities, employment and welfare reform, protest and policing, evaluation of educational interventions, subcultures and consumption.
Staff from Sociology have been submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Sheffield Hallam University is also part of the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council to recognise excellence in the delivery of research methods instruction.
Networking opportunities
Alongside your fellow MRes Social Science students, you’ll benefit from a learning environment where you share some classes with doctoral students – giving you the opportunity to debate, share ideas and organise reading and study support sessions.
Competitions
You’ll have an opportunity to gain experience in the dissemination of research – by presenting your research projects at the annual Postgraduate Research and Early Careers Research Poster Conference and Competition.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- social policy
- research administration
- senior 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 Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities in the last five years, to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry 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.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Dissertation (Social Sciences) | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
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| Module: Philosophies Of Research: Classical Social Theory | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Philosophies Of Research: Contemporary Social Theory | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Principles Of Methodology: Positivist Tradition | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Principles Of Methodology: Social Constructionism | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Qualitative Research 1 | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Survey Method 1: Design And Application | Credits: 15 |
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| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Discourse And Linguistic Theory And Analysis | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Qualitative Research 2 | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Survey Method 2: Descriptive Analysis And Statistical Significance | Credits: 15 |
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| Module: Survey Method 3: Modelling Survey Data | Credits: 15 |
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Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £9,910 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
† 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 2023/24 is £16,385 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
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, 215.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
