Back to search
MasterRecommended

Master of Social and Behavioural Research Methods

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • 1 year
  • English
  • On campus
  • Master

Report this program

What’s wrong with Master of Social and Behavioural Research Methods? Choose all that apply.

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh campus

About the program

Master's training in research methods for the social and behavioural sciences.

Program highlights

  • Internship available: no
  • Placement support: yes
  • Work during study: yes
  • Post-study work rights (5 years): yes
  • PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

  • Develop foundational and applied understanding of Social and Behavioural Research Methods. Practice critical evaluation and communication in the subject. Apply relevant academic or professional methods in appropriate contexts.

Career outcomes

  • Research careers in academia
  • Industry or government

Curriculum

  • Semester one covers Research Methods 1: An Introduction
  • Research Methods 2: The Qualitative Researcher and Research Methods 3: The Quantitative Researcher
  • With further courses such as Big Data and a core course on becoming a confident social science researcher
  • Followed by a dissertation.

Entry requirements

Academic

  • Normally a UK 2:2 honours degree or a non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject
  • Some programmes ask for a 2:1 or for subject content such as mathematics
  • Computing or psychology. Relevant professional experience is considered for some programmes. Interpreting and translating programmes assess language proficiency.
  • UK 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent (most programmes
  • 2:1 for Actuarial and some maths/engineering programmes
  • Stated per programme).

Accepted academic background

Bachelor's degree (honours) in a relevant subject, Some engineering/biomedical programmes accept strong professional experience, Interpreting/translating needs language proficiency and a test.

Language tests

  • IELTS 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT 79
  • PTE Academic 63
  • Cambridge 169
  • Duolingo 120

Documents you’ll need

  • Academic Transcripts.

How to apply

  1. Check the programme page for entry requirements and start date. Apply at least 6 weeks before teaching starts if you need a visa. Apply through the online application form (create an account. No application fee is published). Upload your transcript
  2. Passport copy and English evidence
  3. Plus any personal statement requested. Some programmes may invite you to an online or in-person interview. Accept your offer once conditions are met and pay the non-refundable advance instalment of first-year fees unless a sponsor pays. Request your CAS
  4. Then apply for the student visa showing tuition plus maintenance (up to 10
  5. 539 GBP).

Other costs

Tuition per year£22,528 GBP
Application fee£50 GBP
Deposit£2,000 GBP

Program details

CampusEdinburgh Campus
Faculty or schoolFaculty or school requires confirmation
DepartmentDepartment of Social and Behavioural Research Methods
Teaching languageEnglish
Credit value60
Study paceFixed
Post-study stay5 years
Scholarship noteScholarship consideration may depend on the specific program, Academic merit, Applicant status and available funding.

Intakes and deadlines

  • Program starts

    September 2027

    Apply by

    15 Jun 2027

    213 days left

Frequently asked questions

  • The program takes 1 year.