Applied Social Research (M.Sc.)

1 year full-time / 2 years part-time
30 Places

Overview

The M.Sc. in Applied Social Research is a taught Masters programme which can be completed on a one year, full-time or two year, part-time basis. It is designed for graduates in the social sciences who want to develop their research skills and gain employment in the area of research. This Masters is equally suited to those who wish to build research skills for application in their current work environments. The course also provides a strong foundation for further post-graduate study, particularly for PhD research.

Using a combination of lectures, workshops and practical assignments, this M.Sc. programme trains graduates to:

  • Design and conduct primary social research using both quantitative and qualitative research methods;
  • Analyse the research data collected using a variety of computer programmes and;
  • Write and present research findings to a variety of audiences.

Initiated in 1997, the M.Sc. in Applied Social Research has established an excellent reputation in training students in applied research skills. Graduates of the M.Sc. in Applied Social Research typically gain employment in research institutes or consultancies, government departments, semi-state agencies, the NGO sector, and in a range of policy environments. Others go on to complete further post-graduate study.

The M.Sc. programme consists of three integrated modules: Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods and Research Ethics, and Research Design, Evaluation Research, and Accessing Resources. Students also complete an eight-week Work Placement where they get the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers/research teams within their host institutions. Students already in relevant employment can complete their work placement in that setting. Exemptions from the work placement may be granted at the discretion of the Course Director in exceptional cases.

A 20,000 word research dissertation is submitted by all students at the end of August (of Year 1 for full-time students and Year 2 for part-time students). This applied research project is initiated following the completion of all course assignments.

Career Opportunities 

Researchers and data analysts are in high demand in all areas of employment. There are excellent career opportunities, both in Ireland and abroad, for scientists and social scientists with both quantitative and qualitative research skills. The research and data analysis skills taught on this course have application in a wide range of areas, including scientific and health research, social work, education, child and youth studies, migration research, ageing and life course research, gender studies, marketing, management science, economics, psychology and sociology.

Our recent MSc graduates work in diverse areas such as public health, social science and market research, social policy, and statistics. A large number are employed in university-based departments and research institutes, Government departments, statutory organisations, the NGO sector, and private research consultancies. Many of our graduates have gone on to study for PhDs.

Click Here for further information on modules/subject.

Study Applied Social Research (M.Sc.) at Trinity

Introduction to the MSc in Applied Social Research by Dr Philip Curry at Trinity College Dublin

Course Details

Number of Places

30 Places

Next Intake

September 2023

Course Director

Dr Philip Curry

Closing Date

31st July 2023

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Admission Requirements

Applicants should normally have an upper second-class honours degree in one of the Social Sciences. Applications from graduates in other disciplines (e.g. health sciences, business studies, economics, marketing, history etc) who have relevant experience will be considered.

For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English please click here

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, see https://www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/undergraduates/garda-vetting.php for further details

Course Fees

Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.

Get in Touch

Telephone Number

+353 1 896 3593

pascoem@tcd.ie

Website

http://www.tcd.ie/swsp/postgraduate/social-research/index.php

Register Your Interest

Register your interest in postgraduate study at Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.

As Ireland’s leading university, we offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes at masters, diploma and certificate level.

Trinity is an international university steeped in history, with a reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation.

Register Your Interest