MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods Program By Heriot-Watt University |Top Universities
Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

20,376 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

SociologyMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Sociology

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods programme at Heriot-Watt University provides you with excellent training in research methods and will prepare you for a career in research, whether you want to work in academics or in other fields. 


During the master’s programme, you’ll develop advanced research skills and techniques relevant to your chosen field of study. You’ll understand the principles of research design and strategy and be able to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation. You’ll be able to understand and apply a broad range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative, and will use appropriate software for their application. 

Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in psychology, business management, finance and accounting. You’ll have the opportunity to choose four optional courses, including research in action, big data analysis, systems thinking and analysis, psychological interventions, advanced experimental design and international accounting theory. This will allow you to customise your learning and develop your specific interests. Your dissertation will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination based on your chosen pathway, from an independent project in psychology, business management and accounting, banking or finance.  


You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be able to use a significant range of professional skills, techniques and materials to understand the application of good ethical practice across the entire research process.  


Expertise 

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom. 


Your learning environment  

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods programme has excellent research facilities such as eye trackers, driving simulators and consistent environment labs which will support your independent research project.   


This degree is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and lab work. You’ll also take part in regular Q&A sessions which will focus on various aspects of doing research, including research integrity and career options after graduation.   


You’ll be assessed through a mix of coursework and a dissertation. You’ll receive support and feedback throughout the programme. 


Customise your learning  

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods provides you with training and hands on experience of research methods that will equip you with the ability to produce new knowledge in the field of psychology.  


You’ll learn from three core courses on the syllabus, with the choice of four optional courses to focus on including psychological interventions, research in action and network analysis for business. This gives you the opportunity to customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting a specialist course option.  


In semester three, your dissertation will allow you to explore in-depth a topic of particular interest in the field of management. You’ll be able to critically analyse and review academic studies in an objective and well-judged manner. You’ll have the opportunity to carry out a survey, construct questionnaires and use appropriate tools to analyse and present your results. You’ll learn and demonstrate a critical ability to use a range of techniques and research methods to produce this project.  


You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team.   


Industry  

We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.   

Program overview

Main Subject

Sociology

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods programme at Heriot-Watt University provides you with excellent training in research methods and will prepare you for a career in research, whether you want to work in academics or in other fields. 


During the master’s programme, you’ll develop advanced research skills and techniques relevant to your chosen field of study. You’ll understand the principles of research design and strategy and be able to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation. You’ll be able to understand and apply a broad range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative, and will use appropriate software for their application. 

Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in psychology, business management, finance and accounting. You’ll have the opportunity to choose four optional courses, including research in action, big data analysis, systems thinking and analysis, psychological interventions, advanced experimental design and international accounting theory. This will allow you to customise your learning and develop your specific interests. Your dissertation will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination based on your chosen pathway, from an independent project in psychology, business management and accounting, banking or finance.  


You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be able to use a significant range of professional skills, techniques and materials to understand the application of good ethical practice across the entire research process.  


Expertise 

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom. 


Your learning environment  

The MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods programme has excellent research facilities such as eye trackers, driving simulators and consistent environment labs which will support your independent research project.   


This degree is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and lab work. You’ll also take part in regular Q&A sessions which will focus on various aspects of doing research, including research integrity and career options after graduation.   


You’ll be assessed through a mix of coursework and a dissertation. You’ll receive support and feedback throughout the programme. 


Customise your learning  

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods provides you with training and hands on experience of research methods that will equip you with the ability to produce new knowledge in the field of psychology.  


You’ll learn from three core courses on the syllabus, with the choice of four optional courses to focus on including psychological interventions, research in action and network analysis for business. This gives you the opportunity to customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting a specialist course option.  


In semester three, your dissertation will allow you to explore in-depth a topic of particular interest in the field of management. You’ll be able to critically analyse and review academic studies in an objective and well-judged manner. You’ll have the opportunity to carry out a survey, construct questionnaires and use appropriate tools to analyse and present your results. You’ll learn and demonstrate a critical ability to use a range of techniques and research methods to produce this project.  


You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team.   


Industry  

We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.   

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

6.5+
For MSc entry, students will typically have a good honours degree (first or 2:1), or its non-UK equivalent, in a relevant subject area  from a recognised British or overseas university.
1 Year
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

9,152 GBP
-

International Students

20,376 GBP
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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A rich heritage
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Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.

We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.

A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 235th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), and almost 90% of our research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). View our rankings.

Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.

Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.

Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.

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Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.

We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.

Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland. 

The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.  This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university.  The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.

REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.

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