This MA provides research training with a specific focus on developing the skills needed to examine and analyse how societies, cultures, institutions and practices came into being, how they are organised today and how they continue to change.
You’ll be part of a department at the forefront of research that supports social justice. We aim to give you a stimulating and supportive environment where you can explore what it means to be social, where society might be heading and how we can shape our shared futures.
World-leading experts from across the social sciences teach our programmes, and a specialist in your chosen area will supervise your independent research project. You’ll gain advanced research and communication skills, along with the ability to think analytically. These are vital for a successful career across many sectors and also provide an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study.
You’ll study the politics and practice of social research, looking at the role of the social scientist and the opportunities and challenges of different approaches. We’ll also introduce you to the debates that have shaped the relationship between method and knowledge, and how these continue to influence the social sciences today.
This master’s has Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 recognition status and is designed for those intending to pursue professional or academic research in sociology, social policy or criminology. It will equip you to examine how societies, cultures and institutions came into being, how they are organised now and how they continue to change.
This master’s is suitable for graduates in the Social Sciences or related areas. It is an excellent step for those who want to progress to postgraduate study at MPhil and PhD level, or pursue a career as an independent social researcher.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The MA programme consists of 120 credits of taught modules and a final project worth 60 credits.
In Semester 1, you are required to take two compulsory 20 credit modules and 20 credits of optional modules chosen from within the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and North West Social Science Doctoral Training Centre.
If you are considering progressing to a PhD (Sociology and Social Policy) or applying for any ESRC PhD funding route, you should equip yourself with a good standard of literacy in social research methods across a range of data collection, analysis and management techniques. We strongly recommend that all postgraduate students undertake modules in both qualitative and quantitative methods, including SOCI503 Understanding Society Using Quantitative Methods (semester 1) at the very least, or equivalent training made available elsewhere in the university or across the engage@liverpool initiative. For those applying for ESRC PhD funding, this requirement should preferably be fulfilled during your MA or MRes programme, or – if successfully awarded ESRC PhD funding – during the first year of your PhD at the latest.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THE POLITICS AND PRACTICES OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (SOCI500) | 20 |
| PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (SOCI505) | 20 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY USING QUANTITATIVE METHODS (SOCI503) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In Semester 2, you chose up to 60 credits of social research methods training modules.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You must take either the Dissertation module or the Extended Interchange Project module, both worth 60 credits each. This final project is normally submitted in the September ending the year of the MA programme.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (SOCI403) | 60 |
| EXTENDED INTERCHANGE PROJECT (SOCI530) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of large group seminars/tutorials, small group workshops, one to one tutorials and research supervision meetings. You’ll also carry out project work and private study.
Teaching is delivered in an interactive, participatory and inclusive way, with extensive support of small group teaching and online learning platforms.
Each of the taught modules are formally assessed by coursework on a semester basis. Depending on the learning objective of the module, this may include essays, project work, fieldwork analysis, research strategy document, report of research observation, book review or the completion and analysis of interviews.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology is one of the UK’s leading centres for sociology, social policy and criminology and has been for over 100 years. Our shared pursuit of research-based knowledge supporting social justice sets this department apart from most of its contemporaries in the UK and beyond.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The Social Research Methods MA is designed to meet pre-employment training and post-career development needs. It will equip you with the skills required to progress directly onto doctoral level social research or to take up employment in a wide variety of careers across the government, charitable and private sectors.
This MA is recognised nationally by the Economic and Social Research Council for providing quality methods training for those seeking a career in social science. National and local government, as well as Regional Development Agencies, have highlighted the growing demand for graduates with expertise in the full spectrum of research design and analysis techniques.
Potential career pathways include, but are not limited to, roles within:
This MA also equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for an academic career or a university research career in the Social Sciences (Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology) or in a related discipline.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, specialist equipment, or stationery.
You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The School of Law and Social Justice is awarding three scholarships to study for a master's in the department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Social Sciences or a closely related subject. Those with non-social science backgrounds may also be considered if their experience and references suggest support for this. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions