COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics at the University of Southampton provides comprehensive training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, equipping students with the skills to investigate complex social issues. Core modules cover advanced and applied statistical modelling, survey design, qualitative methods, research communication, and key topics in social science, giving students the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret diverse types of data. The program includes a dissertation or project module, allowing students to undertake independent, original research with guidance and support throughout the process. Optional modules enable students to tailor their learning to specific interests, such as global health, demography, gerontology, population and reproductive health, statistical genetics, and survival models. Students also gain practical expertise in epidemiological methods, evaluation and monitoring, and the analysis of global health trends and differentials. Emphasis is placed on understanding population change, the life course, and the social, economic, and health processes affecting populations. The program combines theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in designing studies, applying statistical techniques, and interpreting results. Graduates are prepared for careers in social research, policy analysis, and public health, or for further academic study at the PhD level, developing the ability to address real-world challenges using rigorous methodological approaches.