Social Science Research Methods (Management)

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Sociology; Research Methods; Business; or Management degrees.

OR

An upper second-class undergraduate honours degree or international equivalent in Anthropology, Business Ethics, Communication Studies, Criminology, Education, Geography, History, International Development, International Studies, Law, Media Studies, Organisational Behaviour/Theory, Politics, or Public Health.

This must include a 2:1 or equivalent in at least 3 different management or work/organisation related units, including:

Business Ethics/Corporate Social Responsibility, Critical Perspectives on Work/Organisation, Corporate/Organisational Culture, Digital Business, Grand Challenges, Management (HRM/Strategy/Governance/Leadership), Management Consulting, Marketing, Operations Management, Organisational Behaviour/Theory, Organisational Studies, Project Management, Public Management, Research Methods, and Sociology/societal concepts.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:

• Evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum six months paid or voluntary) in research, policy or management roles in sectors such as charitable organisations / third sector, social enterprises, think tanks, international development, healthcare, or social work (with subject and module requirements met).
• A postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant work experience and/or qualifications. Specific module requirements would still apply and can be met in either undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This programme provides comprehensive training in the process of research conceptualisation, design and operationalisation. It has been carefully formulated to reflect the training recommended by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It is particularly suited for those seeking a career as a social science researcher or planning to go on to a PhD in Management.

The programme delivers a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the variety of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods available to social scientists and in the principal methods of analysing data. The programme also covers the philosophies underpinning the research process, ethical considerations, and social theory. You will be encouraged to apply your methods training to your substantive research interests.

You will be taught by leading academics whose research tackles global societal issues across a range of social science and management-related disciplines.

Our research groups and centres are:

• Centre for Action Research and Critical Inquiry in Organisations (ARCIO)
• Sustainable Production, Inclusivity, Consumption and Economy
• Innovation and Digitalisation
• Public Services Governance and Management
• Global Political Economy
• Work Futures.

A high percentage of our business and management research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), reflecting its impact on shaping policy and practice.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.