Social Research,PG Dip

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

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408

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Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Central London

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 13,900 / year

Next Intake October-2026

Social Research,PG Dip

About

Course Overview

Our social research postgraduate course is an interdisciplinary social science training programme designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace or for MPhil/PhD study.

This course follows an evening timetable with classes in the evening. We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation.

MSc Social Research

Our MSc covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses. You also carry out an independent dissertation, putting into practice the methods and theoretical concepts you have been taught. The course provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research

Our Postgraduate Diploma is designed to prepare you for further research in the workplace. The course covers ontology, epistemology, quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods masterclasses. It provides a particularly strong environment for theoretically informed, interdisciplinary and socially engaged research.

Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research

Our Postgraduate Certificate is designed for people working in social research or related areas who find themselves needing a stronger grounding in formal qualitative and quantitative research methods. There is an emphasis on applying research techniques, including interviewing, focus groups and data analysis using SPSS. Epistemological issues in designing research projects are also addressed.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Social Research (MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant social science subject and/or relevant work or other (for example, voluntary) experience. Other qualifications may also be considered.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Career

Graduates can pursue career paths in government departments, think tanks, NGOs, the Civil Service and political parties. Possible professions include:

social researcher
government social researcher
human resources officer
higher education lecturer
politician’s assistant.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.