Careers and employability
There is an increasing need for well-trained social scientists who are able to apply advanced methods of analysis to complex data and who have proven practical research skills.
Skills in analysing data and using statistics are vital across the research areas of population change, health, family life, the economy, well-being, education, employment, law and criminal justice, housing and civic participation.
Even if you are primarily using qualitative data, skills in understanding the bigger picture can add to the explanatory power of your empirical research.
For example, a study of long-term unemployment based around qualitative interviews can be strengthened by a quantitative summary of the patterns and duration of unemployment at the local, national land international level and how these patterns have changed over time.
Graduates from the MSc in Social Research Methods and Statistics (SMRS) have gone on to pursue careers in:
- consultancy
- research
- policy making and
- university teaching in the UK and around the world.
From continuing to study for a PhD, to working in government or in some of the most influential research and policy organisations the MSc provides an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised qualification that is of value across a number of professions.
Graduate destinations
Past graduates of the SRMS course have gone on to:
Interested in a PhD?
The SRMS course is also ideal preparation for students wishing to pursue doctoral study. Both our masters and doctoral programmes are recognised by ESRC for 1+3 funded studentships.
The Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research has an active course of doctoral research, a good record in attracting funding for our students and provides excellent supervision.
Related links
- Access the University’s award-winning Careers Advice service.
- Take the Manchester Leadership Programme, develop your leadership skills and participate in community volunteering.
- Fast track your career with the Manchester Graduate Internship Programme.
- Find out why career-minded undergraduates are opting for social sciences.
- Video: Statistics – Dream job of the next decade – Hal Varian, Chief Economist, Google