Social Research Methods and Statistics MSc

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 months Full-Time

About the course

MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics gives you the tools to tackle real-world questions with data. You’ll master advanced statistical techniques and software like R and Python, while learning from experts whose research shapes policy, business, and society. Our course is designed to build the skills employers and research funders are looking for, turning you into a confident analyst ready to influence decisions in academia, government, or industry.

Learn to design research, analyse real-world data using R, Python and Excel, and turn findings into insights that shape policy, business and society. You will be taught by experts whose work spans statistics, demography, social networks, economics, politics, criminology and health.

Your pathway to a PhD This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship from the ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), giving you a fully funded route from master’s to PhD.

We offer three Social Research Methods and Statistics pathways:

Join a UK Top 10 university for Sociology, Mathematics, and Statistics

(Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025)

Study a course with strong links to the pioneering Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research (CMI). Recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as a leading research training outlet

Graduate from one of the most targeted universities by top UK employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2025)

Compulsory Units

Survey Research Methods;
Statistical Foundations;
Introduction to Statistical Modelling;
Complex Survey Designs and Analysis;
Methodology and Research Design;
MSc Dissertation.

Optional Units

Topological Data Analysis;
Longitudinal Data Analysis;
Causal Inference for Policies, Interventions and Experiments;
Statistical Models for Social Networks.

Compulsory and optional units differ by pathway. These are examples of units offered in 2024/25 and are subject to change.

Where will your course take you?

The world needs social scientists who can turn complex data into clear, actionable insights. This course equips you with in-demand skills in advanced statistical analysis, data interpretation, and research design, preparing you to influence decisions in policy, business, and society.

Our graduates have gone on to roles in central and local government, the Office for National Statistics, commercial consultancy, international organisations, and research institutes in the UK and overseas. Job titles include Data Scientist, Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, Government Statistician, and Consultant.

The course is also ideal preparation for doctoral study and forms a recognised part of our 1+3 ESRC PhD training model. Some students progress directly to PhDs at Manchester and other leading universities, continuing to push the boundaries of social research.

Emily Buehler

Social Research Methods and Statistics MSc Graduate

“My master's degree provides a good foundation of statistical and research methods and I have really enjoyed the course units on more advanced statistical methods.“