Sociotechnical Futures and Digital Methods

Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you may have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

In your application you will need to provide a max. 500 word personal statement in your own words which should explain:

(a) Why you wish to undertake a Master of Research and the interests and skills you particularly hope to develop on the course.

(b) Your research interests - please be specific.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your understanding of the social and political implications of digitalisation, and learn how to effectively research and investigate them.

During this course, you’ll become a fully trained social science researcher with expertise in computational methods and sociotechnical futures. Key topics that sit within this area include:

• the use of AI and algorithms across various domains
• technology and automation
• the social and political implications of digitalisation
• cybersecurity
• digital technologies and climate change

Through a focus on computational, quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to progress your studies or become a professional researcher in these areas.

You’ll enhance your understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of large-scale data and how to effectively present key insights and findings.

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in a number of private and public sector roles.

Why choose a Master of Research (MRes) degree

An MRes is a master’s degree with a focus on research. The knowledge and expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for doctoral study and a range of non-academic careers that require strong research skills.

Find out more about why an MRes might be right for you.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.

If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.

For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.

Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in sociotechnical futures. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

These include: advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills; bibliographic skills; and basic computing skills, such as word processing, spreadsheet creation and optimisation, and database management.

Graduate prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative, qualitative and computational research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters.

Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data.

This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computational and analytical skills with an understanding of research and enquiry in the context of sociotechnical futures.

Upon completion of this course, you’ll be prepared for specialist roles related to the adoption and use of digital technologies. These may include policy, regulatory, and governance-related roles across a range of sectors.

This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

Fees and funding

View available funding opportunities.