This Masters course provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to carry out robust social research and evaluation.

You’ll learn how to collect, analyse and report qualitative and quantitative data, taking account of ethics, reliability and validity. You’ll also critically examine the theoretical foundations that underpin social scientific research. Finally, you’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between research and policymaking.

Our MSc is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as meeting the research training guidelines for undertaking a PhD in Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work or Socio-legal Studies. Its provision is also appropriate for ESRC-recognised interdisciplinary PhD projects or pathways.

Top reasons to study with us

1 Learn under the expert guidance of world class researchers

2 Gain a research qualification recongised by the ESRC for PhD research

3 86% overall student satisfaction with MSc Applied Social Research (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2022)

The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students make a difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 2021). The University of Stirling is ranked top 40 in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023), top 20 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2022) and students rated us top 30 in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022. With more than 170 undergraduate course combinations and over 90 postgraduate courses , including a portfolio of online courses , we equip our graduates with the knowledge, expertise and employability skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

Sporting excellence

The University of Stirling is ranked 1st in the UK and top five in the world for sports facilities (The International Student Barometer 2022) – which is just part of the reason we’re Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence . Our students benefit from a cutting-edge sports centre that includes sports halls, tennis courts, a gym cycling studio, squash courts, athletics track, strength and conditioning suites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and more. Our campus is also home to the Scottish National Tennis Centre, the National Swimming Academy and five national governing bodies. We offer more than 55 sports clubs , dozens of weekly exercise classes and non-competitive sports programmes to our students – giving them the chance to get fit, socialise or even compete at a global level.

Campus life

The University of Stirling is rated 1st in the UK and top 3 in the world for its campus environment (The International Student Barometer 2022), and it’s not hard to see why . Less than an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, our beautiful 330-acre campus is home to a sprawling accommodation village, catering outlets, shops, a cinema and theatre and even an 18th-century castle. We’ve invested more than £43 million to further enhance our world-class fitness and high-performance sports facilities and create a new campus hub.

Commitment to employability

At the University of Stirling, our students gain more than a degree. From internships to helping find a job, our Student Skills and Employability team gives you the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study. Meanwhile, our courses offer hands-on experience, career support and opportunities to work with industries across the globe. That’s why 93% of students say they’re satisfied with our career services support (ISB 2022), and 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020-21, HESA)

A global outlook

The University of Stirling is truly global in every sense of the word. More than 140 nationalities are represented on our diverse and inclusive campus. We collaborate with institutions across the world – with teaching in research partnerships in more than 60 countries to help our students become forward-thinking graduates with skills that are sought after by employers across the globe.

Research with impact

Our world-leading academics are experts in their fields, and our teaching explores this cutting-edge research to make an impact on society. That’s why 80% of Stirling’s research was classed as either world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Our aim is simple: from feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, we want to tackle the global issues of our time. Our multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking and find solutions.

The City of Stirling

Stirling is the 'Gateway to the Highlands', and it’s the perfect place to call home . Stirling has been named the safest student city in Scotland (Complete University Guide 2023), and is also one of the top 3 happiest places to live in Scotland (Rightmove Happy at Home Index 2022). Stirling combines the charm of a historic ancient capital with the buzz of a modern city. One in five people in Stirling’s population are between 16 and 29 years old, we’ve got great travel links, and we’re just 50 minutes from Scotland’s two biggest cities – which is perfect for weekend adventures exploring Scotland, the UK or even further afield. Learn more about the City of Stirling and its vibrant arts scene , food and drink offerings , amazing countryside , shopping , nightlife and more.

Are you ready to Be Stirling?

Find your course , learn more about funding opportunities , scholarships and why the University of Stirling, Scotland is where you belong .