Master

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How to Apply

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline. Applicants must have evidence of at least one quantitative and one qualitative module/unit at 2.1 or equivalent.

Examples of acceptable Quantitative units include Data Analysis; Data Mining; Programming; Quantitative Research Methods; Research Design and Practice; Statistics; and other relevant modules where quantitative research training or skills can be demonstrated.

Examples of acceptable Qualitative units include Behavioural Studies/Research; Comparative Politics/Research; Qualitative Research; Social Research; Survey; and other relevant modules where qualitative research training or skills can be demonstrated.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

Evidence of significant, relevant work experience in sectors such as NGOs, Think Tanks, Government Departments, Research/Social Research Institutes, Third Sector research organisations and other relevant placements (minimum of six months in a paid role).

A postgraduate qualification in any discipline.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Admissions Option 2

Postgraduate Online Event

See modules and class list

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences

Curriculum

Funding Information

Home: part-time (two years): £7,550 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation. Alumni of our MSc programmes go on to further study at PhD level or pursue research jobs in government or private sector, for example in the House of Commons, the World Bank and the think tank Demos.

Career Opportunities

Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance.

Program delivery

Social Sciences

Political Science

Politics

Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol has a global reputation for high-quality education and research. We are one of the UK’s top 10 universities and rank 54th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). We offer a wide range of programmes in the social sciences, with a high percentage linked to professional and research-informed practice. We welcome students and staff from around the world, creating an exciting and diverse community within each of our schools.

MSc Social Science Research Methods (Politics)

Introduction

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Admissions

Postgraduate Online Event

Curriculum

Year 1

Program Tuition Fee

Career Opportunities

Program delivery

Duration

About the School

Questions