Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Social Research at University of York is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of York. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
Why choose Social Research at York?
Develop highly sought after practical research skills. You'll experience exceptional teaching in both qualitative and quantitive research methods. You'll develop interview and other data collection techniques. You'll also become proficient in methods of data analysis, including visual, conversation and regression analysis. By equipping yourself with these skills, you'll be able to take your research career to the next level.
Understand the role and responsibilities of a social researcher. This course gives you the ideal platform to showcase your capabilities to future employers and PhD programmes alike. This means you can break new ground in the worlds of professional and academic research. You'll acquire the skills and expertise to confidently manage the full life-cycle of social science research. You'll be well-prepared to conceive and lead ethical strategic research projects.
Your research will guide your learning. From day one, you'll be encouraged to produce your own original research. You'll become an autonomous researcher capable of researching key societal issues. Your abilities will then be put into practice through an original research project.
Draw on expertise from across the social sciences. You'll be taught by internationally-recognised experts across our Faculty of Social Sciences. You'll tailor your learning to your interests by studying modules and completing a dissertation within departments of your choosing. These departments include:
- Economics and Related Studies
- Education
- Politics
- Sociology
- School for Business and Society
Accreditation
The MA is recognised by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), so it's ideal if you are seeking ESRC funding for a PhD. This recognition also demonstrates the high quality of the training you'll receive.
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Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
Graduates finish this course well equipped to pursue further study, such as a PhD. You will also gain relevant and highly sought-after skills that qualify you for a research career in academic institutions, local and central government or commercial research.
Career opportunities
- Social Researcher
- Youth Development Worker
- Civil Service Fast Streamer
- Market research executive
- Higher Education research and teaching
- Insight Executive
See our graduates' careers in roles around the world
Transferable skills
- The ability to research, source and examine information
- The capacity to critically analyse evidence and construct arguments
- Excellent written and oratory skills
- Intellectual independence and autonomy
- Teamworking skills.
Program Curriculum
Course content
You'll study 180 credits in total. The course consists of:
- Four 20-credit core modules
- Two 20-credit option modules
- A 60-credit independent research dissertation
At the heart of this degree is an opportunity to put your training into practice through an original research project, with expert guidance from academics that are at the forefront of research.
Modules Dissertation Modules You'll study core modules and undertake a dissertation. You'll choose option modules to complement your research interests. Core modules Research Design Introduction to Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis Introduction to Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis Advanced Methods in Social Research We cannot accept credit transfer or recognition of prior learning in place of any of the core modules on this course, as outlined in the ESRC Postgraduate Training and Development Guidelines . Option Modules You'll choose two option modules, including one from the Department of Education and one other option. We work with a range of academic departments across the University, to give you a wide variety of options. Examples can be found below. Education modules Psychology of Language and Language Learning Intercultural Communication in Education Higher Education in the 21st Century Gender, Sexuality and Education Psychology in Society Race, Difference, Equity and Equality and other issues in Education Outdoor Learning: People, Nature and the Environment Artificial Intelligence and Technology Enhanced Learning: Key Issues & Debates Communicating the Climate Emergency Other modules Researching Digital Life Feminist Research Methodologies Public Economics Intercultural Communication in Education Qualitative Health Research Ethics & World Politics Principles of Policy Advice Social Policy in Global Context The Political Economy of Welfare Law & Social Control Social Media, Data & Society Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation Dissertation You will develop, design, implement and manage your own original research project, supervised by a member of staff with the relevant experience for your topic. You'll use this research as the basis for a 10,000-word dissertation.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant subject. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,290/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-06-15
- Start Date 2018-09-24
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)