
The University of Exeter offers the Master of Social Science Research as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Streatham and Exeter campuses in United Kingdom. Taught in English and completed over 1 year(s), the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for social science research and related professional fields. Tuition fees are USD 34,352 / year(s), and the next available intake begins on September 1, 2026.
About Master of Social Science Research
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Social Science Research at The University of Exeter
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree with 53% or above in a social science or humanities subject area (including Business and Management). While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
English Program Requirements
Test Name: IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, IELTS One Skill Retake and IELTS Indicator (IELTS – Academic version)
Required Score: 6.0 overall and no less than 6.0 in any section
Test Name: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition and TOEFL MyBest scores
Required Score: Overall score 87 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, listening, reading and speaking.
Test Name: Pearson Test of English (Academic) PTE
Required Score: 64 overall with no less than 64 in all communicative skills
Test Name: LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
Required Score: B2 Communicator with minimum 33 in writing, speaking, listening & reading
Test Name: LanguageCert Academic
Required Score: 65 overall and no less than 65 in any skills score
Test Name: INTO Pre-sessional English
Required Score: 60 and no less than 60 in any sub-section
Test Name: Study Group Academic English
Required Score: Minimum of 60% overall, no less than 60% in any section
Test Name: Skills for English: SELT
Required Score: B2 Pass
Test Name: Duolingo English Test - test taken up to 30th June 2024
Required Score: 110 overall and no less than 110 in Literacy, 95 in Conversation, 110 in Comprehension and 90 in Production
Test Name: Duolingo English Test - test taken from 1st July 2024
Required Score: 110 overall and no less than 110 in any Integrated Subscore
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Social Science Research
Careers
Our MRes is designed to prepare you for a successful research career. You will develop research skills expertise by designing research projects, collecting and analysing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions, that are highly valued skills in various economic sectors, including academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
The programme specifically emphasizes social research methods, providing you with a solid foundation in various research methodologies - employers often seek candidates with strong methodological skills, whether they are looking to conduct their research or evaluate existing research.
The diverse skills that are enhanced through this MRes – specifically though exposure to multiple different research methodologies - helps make graduates adaptable to various roles. This versatility is attractive to employers looking for candidates who can handle different tasks and challenges.
Specific skills that students will develop include, but are not limited to:
- Advanced independent thinking
- Opportunities to develop expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies
- The ability to construct a rigorous argument, and defend that argument citing relevant sources and analysis with qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies both written form and orally
- Managing and interpreting information
- Experience of working as an individual on challenging material
- The ability to reflect on learning, evaluate personal strengths and weakness, and map out a plan of personal development based on those reflections
- Experience of working as a participant and/or leader of a group, and of contributing effectively to the planning and achievement of that group’s objectives
Employment and professional development
Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available.
Fee Information

United Kingdom, Exeter