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Postgraduate Taught

MRes Social Science Research

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code 1234
Duration 1 year full time
2 years part time
Entry year September 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Politics and International Relations
Contact
Typical offer

View full entry requirements

2:2 Honours degree

Contextual offers

Overview

  • We’ll develop you into a fully trained and competent social science researcher who is able to understand and use a range of research techniques 
  • Our flexible programme allows you to pursue your intended subject or topic, preparing you for PhD or a career in research  
  • Forms part of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership – a hub of world-class social sciences research 
  • Our seminar series and highly successful annual postgraduate conference brings together researchers from across all humanities and social sciences disciplines 

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Fast Track (current Exeter students)

Open days and visiting us

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Contact

Programme Director: Prof Alexey Bessudnov

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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Employability focussed

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Politics

11th in The Complete University Guide 2025

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Top 15 in the UK for Sociology

Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Scholarship icon: a pound sign attached to a paper scroll

Funding opportunities available through ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social sciences research

Earth icon

Employability focussed

Top 15 icon

Top 15 in the UK for Politics

11th in The Complete University Guide 2025

Trophy icon

Top 15 in the UK for Sociology

Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Scholarship icon: a pound sign attached to a paper scroll

Funding opportunities available through ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social sciences research

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in a social science or humanities subject area (including Business and Management). While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application. 

Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Course content

This degree will empower you with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of social research. You will refine your analytical skills, gaining proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and digital research methodologies. We provide you with a deep understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in social research, fostering a sense of responsibility in your scholarly pursuits. You'll engage with real-world applications, honing your ability to contribute valuable insights to social issues. Additionally, collaborative learning environments and exposure to diverse research projects will cultivate your adaptability and critical thinking.  

As a graduate armed with advanced research methods, you'll emerge ready to drive positive change in various professional domains, equipped to conduct impactful, evidence-based analyses that address the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world. 

The array of optional modules enables you to tailor your programme to your interests and career ambitions.  

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

180 credits. 75 credits of core modules, 105 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

A - you MUST pick ONE of the dissertation modules

CodeModule Credits
SOCM019 Research Methods in the Social Sciences 15
POLM886 Dissertation [see note a]60
PHLM009 Dissertation [see note a]60
ANTM904 Dissertation [see note a]60
SOCM904 Dissertation [see note a]60
SSIM909 Dissertation in Food Studies [see note a]60
LAWM640 Dissertation [see note a]60
HISM400 Dissertation in History [see note a]60

Optional modules

B - You MUST pick 45 credits from the 'Methods' modules

CodeModule Credits
MRes Social Science Research - Methods modules 24.25 [see note b]
POLM063 Qualitative Methods in Social Research 15
POLM809 Applied Quantitative Data Analysis 15
SPAM003 Computational Social Science 1 15
POLM086 Quantitative Data Analysis 30
POLM140 Qualitative Methods in Social Research 30
HISM016 Advanced Historical Research Skills 30
POLM897 Surveys and Experiments: Design, Implementation and Analysis 15
POLM150 Text as Data 15
SOCM002A Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 15
SOCM002B Philosophy of the Social Sciences 30
SOCM033 Data Governance and Ethics 15
SPAM004 Computational Social Science 2 15
SPAM001 Causal Inference and Evidence Based Policy Making 15
PHLM010 Introduction to Philosophical Methods 30
SSIM912 Introduction to Social Network Analysis 15
SSIM913 Longitudinal Data Analysis 15
SSIM915 Statistical Modelling 15
SSIM916 Machine learning for social data science 15
SSIM918 Data Visualisation 15
MRes Social Science Research - Options modules 24.25
ANTM004 Food and Agriculture in Historical Perspective 15
ANTM021 Food, Body and Society 15
SOCM021 Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks, and Ethical Consumption 30
SOCM045 Food and Sustainability: Economy, Society and Environment 30
SOCM023 Social Theory 15
SOCM044 Food and Sustainability: Economy, Society and Environment 15
SOCM046 Meaning, Making Consuming 30
SOCM047 Understanding Media 30
POLM082 International Relations of the Middle East 30
POLM148 Brexit: Causes, Interpretation and Implications 30
POLM158 Digital Politics and Policy 30
POLM502 International Relations: Power and Institutions 30
POLM651 State and Society in the Middle East 30
SOCM950 Science Technology and Society 30
SOCM945 Philosophy of Science 30
SOCM031 Evidence-Based Policing 15
LAWM686 Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC) 15

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Teaching and research

Learning and Teaching

With the exception of the dissertation, each module on this programme is normally taught through academic lectures expanded through seminar discussion, presentations, group work, reading and essay assignments. 

Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. Work on formulating a dissertation topic begins early in the academic year and you will have an individual supervisor for your dissertation. 

Research

Students can take advantage of our seminar series and its long-running and highly successful annual postgraduate conference which brings together researchers from across all humanities and social sciences disciplines. 

Careers

student wearing mortar board on graduation

Our MRes is designed to prepare you for a successful research career. You will develop research skills expertise by designing research projects, collecting and analysing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions, that are highly valued skills in various economic sectors, including academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.  

The programme specifically emphasizes social research methods, providing you with a solid foundation in various research methodologies - employers often seek candidates with strong methodological skills, whether they are looking to conduct their research or evaluate existing research.  

The diverse skills that are enhanced through this MRes – specifically though exposure to multiple different research methodologies - helps make graduates adaptable to various roles. This versatility is attractive to employers looking for candidates who can handle different tasks and challenges. 

Specific skills that students will develop include, but are not limited to:   

  • Advanced independent thinking
  • Opportunities to develop expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies 
  • The ability to construct a rigorous argument, and defend that argument citing relevant sources and analysis with qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies both written form and orally 
  • Managing and interpreting information 
  • Experience of working as an individual on challenging material 
  • The ability to reflect on learning, evaluate personal strengths and weakness, and map out a plan of personal development based on those reflections 
  • Experience of working as a participant and/or leader of a group, and of contributing effectively to the planning and achievement of that group’s objectives 

Employment and professional development 

Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available. 

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