MRes Social Science

The MRes (Master of Research) in Social Science is a one-year postgraduate degree designed to develop advanced social science research skills.The MRes in Social Science is a one-year research degree, combining specialist and generic methods training to equip students with transferable skills for graduate employment in the public, private and third sector. It also lays the foundation to undertake advanced doctoral studies. The degree programme comprises four taught courses, two per semester, followed by a supervised research project in the summer semester.

The MRes is recognised under the Economic and Social Research Council's Scottish Doctoral Training Programme, Sociology Pathway. The Diploma in Social Science Research, comprising of four taught courses, also offers intensive training which is recognised under the Scottish Government's Student Awards Scheme (SAAS).

The MRes programme is tailored to provide the methodological training and critical capacity for advanced research in social science. It gives you the knowledge, understanding and competence to deploy qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in the conduct of theoretically informed research.
The dissertation allows you to develop practical, intellectual and critical skills in a substantive area of your interest. The skills gained can be used across many employment areas.

For most courses in the programme, students gain experience with specific research methods by applying them to address substantive topics of their choosing. In this way, students can customise their methods training around their particular social science interests.

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.

Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.

The MRes is a research degree in the sense that, alongside courses in research methods, students work out their own specific research topic under the supervision of the department. Many students, but not all, intend to go on to study for a PhD, in which case the dissertation written at the end of the MRes may serve as the foundation of a PhD research proposal. To apply for MRes, please include a short outline of your intended research theme. This need not be very detailed, up to about 1000 words in length.

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

Degree Certificate
a degree certificate showing your qualifications
Degree Transcript
a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
Personal Statement
a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Reference x 2
two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals

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