Social Research Methods London School of Economics and Political Science

Overview

The Social Research Methods M.Sc. at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers students a comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation in every stage of the social research process. This interdisciplinary programme covers everything from initial project design and data collection to complex analysis and the critical interpretation of findings. Students develop the expertise required to become sophisticated consumers and producers of social science research.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to gain a broad understanding of various methodologies or to specialise in a specific area of interest. By combining core methodological training with substantive courses from other departments, students can tailor their learning to align with their specific research goals.

Why Social Research Methods at the London School of Economics and Political Science?

The Department of Methodology is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, recently honoured with the 2023 LSE SU Teaching Award for Departmental Excellence. Students benefit from a vibrant, collaborative environment and learn from a multidisciplinary team of leading researchers in fields such as sociology, statistics, economics, and political science. The university is consistently ranked as a top institution globally for social sciences and management, providing an elite setting for methodological study.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 28900 per year
• National fee: GBP 18300 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of core modules in research design and methodology alongside a significant independent research project. Modules may include:

• Social Science Research Design
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis
• Applied Regression Analysis
• Causal Inference for Observational and Experimental Studies
• Computational Text Analysis and Large Language Models

Careers with Social Research Methods

Graduates are highly sought after for their technical expertise and analytical skills, with nearly half of the cohort progressing to doctoral research or academic positions. The programme prepares individuals for successful careers across various sectors, including national and local government, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Common industries for graduates include:

• Education, Teaching and Research
• Information, Digital Technology and Data
• Government, Public Sector and Policy
• Financial and Professional Services
• Advertising, Marketing and Media

The university provides extensive career support, including CV workshops, employer presentations, and dedicated guidance to help students transition into professional roles or further academic study.