This MRes will provide advanced theoretical and practical training in postgraduate research. You'll learn from internationally recognised sociology experts in the sophisticated research environment of a long-established and influential Department.
Whether it’s economic or cultural inequalities, the risks of our online lives, the definitions and consequences of crime, or the social aspects of issues like health, this course gives you an exciting opportunity to explore what it means to be social, where society might be heading and how we can shape a better future together.
Our teaching draws on the expertise of the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology. With approachable staff and a supportive academic environment, you’ll be part of a collaborative exchange of ideas, learning directly from experts while contributing your own perspectives.
You’ll be introduced to the politics and practice of social research and undertake an extensive research project on a topic of your choice, supported by regular supervision from a sociological expert. Along the way, you’ll develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and project management, tools that are valuable in any career.
This MRes provides excellent research training and hands-on experience, whether you’re preparing for a professional career, PhD study, or seeking continuous professional development.
This master’s is suitable for graduates from the Social Sciences or related areas who want advanced theoretical and practical training in postgraduate-level research.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
This programme consists of 60 credits of taught modules and a 30,000 word dissertation worth 120 credits.
The process of preparing the dissertation, including developing a research question and proposal, will take place throughout semester 1 and 2. Your dissertation will be submitted in semester 3.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THE POLITICS AND PRACTICES OF SOCIAL RESEARCH (SOCI500) | 20 |
| PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (SOCI505) | 20 |
| DISSERTATION (SOCI525) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In addition to the compulsory modules in semester 1, you should choose 20 credits of social research methods training modules in semester 2.
The process of preparing the dissertation, including developing a research question and proposal, will take place throughout semester 1 and 2. Your dissertation will be submitted in semester 3.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (SOCI525) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your dissertation will be submitted in semester three and carries 120 of the total 180 credits.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (SOCI525) | 120 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching is delivered in an interactive, participatory and inclusive way, with extensive support of small group teaching and online learning platforms. You’ll have a mix of lectures, large group seminars/tutorials, small group workshops, one to one tutorials and research supervision meetings.
You will study 60 credits of taught modules and complete a dissertation worth 120 credits.
Each of the taught modules is formally assessed by coursework on a semester basis. Depending on the learning objectives of the module, this may include project work, fieldwork analysis, a research strategy document, a report of research observation, a book review or the completion and analysis of interviews.
Your advanced social research project will be assessed coursework through a 30,000 word dissertation.
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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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
An MRes in Social Research offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities and will provide you with a solid basis for pursuing a researcher-related career in various sociological-related fields and sectors, including policy development and research in the public and third sectors.
You will develop social scientific, analytical and communication skills, as well as a variety of transferable skills valued by employers in many industries, such as media, charities, and commercial and financial services.
Our graduates have gone onto successful careers in both the public and private sectors:
Many students pursue 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 - £5,238
Part-time place, per year - £2,619
Full-time place, per year - £25,350
Part-time place, per year - £12,650
The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
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.
Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
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 a social science, or in a field relevant to the programme. All applicants are required to supply: a completed application form, proof of qualifications, research proposal, personal statement and two references (one of which, as a minimum, must be academic). Applicants are considered on the basis of academic ability and potential and other relevant considerations are also taken into account. Applicants who have marginally missed the benchmark indicated above, are considered on a discretionary basis. |
| 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 MRes, 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 |
| 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.
To discuss your research proposal, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions