Overview

Why Social Research at Birkbeck, University of London?

Birkbeck is renowned for its excellence in social sciences, consistently ranking as a leading institution for research and academic training. The university boasts the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to social research. Students benefit from access to world-class scholars and cutting-edge facilities, enhancing their learning experience and preparing them for impactful careers in various sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

For the academic year 2026-27, the tuition fees for the Social Research programme are as follows:

• Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
• Full-time international students: £20,850 per year
• Part-time international students: £10,425 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The Social Research programme includes a comprehensive curriculum that meets the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) training requirements. Students will complete modules worth a total of 180 credits for the M.Sc., including:

• Investigating the Social World (30 credits)
• Masterclass in Social Research (30 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Quantitative Social Research (15 credits)
• Applied Social Data Analysis in R (15 credits)
• Experiments in Social Science (15 credits)
• Introduction to Quantitative Social Research (15 credits)
• Qualitative Research Design (15 credits)
• Qualitative Social Research Methods (15 credits)
• MSc Social Research dissertation (60 credits)

The Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma also feature a selection of core modules, ensuring a robust foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Careers with Social Research

Graduates of the Social Research programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths across various sectors. They can find employment in government departments, think tanks, NGOs, and the Civil Service. Common job roles include social researcher, government social researcher, human resources officer, higher education lecturer, and political assistant. The skills acquired during the course, such as data analysis, project management, and effective communication, are highly valued in today’s job market, ensuring that alumni are prepared to make significant contributions to their fields.