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1 Year On Campus Masters Program
University of BristolThe MSc Social Science Research Methods (Politics) at the University of Bristol provides thorough training in both practical and theoretical research methods, preparing you to analyse political and social questions with confidence. It’s perfect for students who want to develop strong research skills for careers in academia, policy, or further PhD study.
Curriculum structure
Year 1 (full-time / core stage)
During this year, you will build the essential skills needed for social science research. Core units include Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences, Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences, and Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences, which together give you a solid foundation in data collection, analysis, and research design. You will also complete a Dissertation, allowing you to carry out an independent research project from start to finish.
In addition to the core units, you can choose optional modules such as Advanced Qualitative Research or politics-related topics like European Security, helping you to develop specialised skills that suit your interests and career goals.
Focus areas: qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection and analysis, research philosophy and ethics, statistical methods, dissertation project
Learning outcomes: mastery of core social science research methods, critical evaluation of methodological choices, competency in ethical research conduct, independent research project execution, and advanced analytical skills
Professional alignment (accreditation): Approved research training under the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), making it suitable for research careers or progression to doctoral study
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Bristol is consistently highly regarded for graduate outcomes, ranked among the top in the UK for employability, with graduates progressing successfully into academia, government, and research sectors
At Bristol, you don’t just learn about research methods — you actively practice them. From the start, you’ll gain practical skills in designing studies, choosing the right methods, conducting interviews and focus groups, and analysing real data using quantitative techniques. The programme emphasizes hands-on experience through case studies, critical exploration of research examples, and your independent dissertation project, giving you a real taste of what professional social scientists do. You’ll also benefit from dedicated research support and spaces that guide you from planning your project to presenting your findings.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Real research training and practice: Learn and apply a wide range of research techniques including document research, structured interviews, focus groups, and statistical analysis through core and optional modules.
Independent dissertation project: Design and manage your own research project in politics or international relations, building skills in research planning, data collection, analysis, and presentation.
Research postgraduate study space: Access the Arts & Social Sciences Library’s dedicated postgraduate research room, featuring individual desks, collaborative zones, and 24/7 access — perfect for dissertation work and group projects.
Digital research resources: Use tools such as Sage Research Methods and other subject-specific library guides to support your empirical work from start to finish.
Library and research support workshops: Take part in specialised training and guidance on research skills, data handling, and source evaluation from the Library’s Research Support Team.
Graduates from this programme leave with advanced research skills that prepare them for a range of meaningful careers, from policy and research roles in the public and private sectors to further study at doctoral level. Typical roles include research analyst, policy advisor, data and insights consultant, and research officer in government or international organisations:
University careers support: You will have access to Bristol’s Careers Service, which offers personalised one-to-one advice, tailored workshops, employer talks, networking events, and graduate fairs throughout the year to help you explore opportunities and prepare for applications. This support continues for up to three years after graduation.
Professional development tools: Take advantage of the online skills platform to track and build your skills profile, and participate in the Bristol PLUS Award to develop employability skills that employers value.
Employment outcomes: Bristol graduates are highly regarded by employers in the UK and overseas. Many alumni go on to PhD study or research-related roles in organisations such as the House of Commons, the World Bank, and think tanks.
Long-term accreditation value: The programme is approved as ESRC research training, strengthening your methodological expertise and enhancing your eligibility for funded doctoral research or specialised research careers.
Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies after this MSc, you will be well-placed to apply for PhD programmes in politics, international relations, public policy, or social science research methods. Many students use the dissertation and methods training from this master’s as a springboard into academic research or university-based teaching and research assistant roles.
Applicants must have completed at least one quantitative and one qualitative module/unit at 2:1 (or equivalent), such as Statistics, Data Analysis, Programming, Quantitative/Qualitative Research Methods, or relevant social science modules.Interim grades are accepted if you are still completing your degree, with final grades expected to meet the requirement.Applications may still be considered if your final grade is slightly below the entry requirement, especially if you have relevant work experience or a postgraduate qualification.Include a CV showing at least six months of relevant paid or voluntary work in NGOs, think tanks, government, research institutes, or the third sector; specific module requirements still apply.Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with either IELTS Academic 6.5 overall and 6.5 in each skill or TOEFL iBT 88 overall with minimum scores of Reading 22, Listening 21, Speaking 23, Writing 22; all results must be from a single test taken within the last two years.India: a minimum GPA of 6/10 or 60% is requiredUSA: A CGPA of 3.3 or above is considered equivalent to a UK upper second-class degree.China: A four-year bachelor’s (honours) degree from a recognised Chinese university, equivalent to a UK 2:1, with a minimum of 78%–87% (requirements may vary by institution).research analystpolicy advisordata and insights consultantresearch officer in government organisationsresearch officer in private sectorpostgraduate researcher (PhD)social science researcherinternational development researcherthink tank researcherpolicy research specialistproject manager in research contextsresearch consultantacademic researche
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