Social Science Research Methods (MSc)

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

With your online application you will need to provide:

1. A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject such as criminology, education, human geography, law, management/business, psychology or social policy, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
3. One written academic or professional reference demonstrating your ability to undertake a research-focused postgraduate programme. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
4. A personal statement, no longer than 1000 words outlining how your interests and experience align with the course.
5. A brief research proposal (up to 500 words) that outlines your discipline interests and school alignment from the following list of schools collaborating with the Social Science Research Methods programme:

• Law & Politics
• Social Sciences (including Criminology)
• Geography & Planning
• Psychology
• Cardiff Business School (PhD route only)

This proposal will not be used as part of the selection criteria but is critical to ensuring the appropriate school is able to support your research interest when you undertake your dissertation. Please clearly state your preferred school from the list above. This does not need to be more than half a side of A4 typed.

If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references or an up-to-date CV.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of June but may close sooner if all places are filled.

Selection process

We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• access to computers or devices that can store images
• use of internet and communication tools/devices
• curfews
• freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
• contact with people related to Cardiff University.