Overview

This MRes programme is only open to 1+3 SWDTP funded PhD students.

It aims to develop a systematic understanding and critical appreciation of alternative approaches, methodologies and paradigms of social science research. It will develop fully trained and competent social science researchers, who are able to understand and use research techniques appropriate to their subject area and are conversant with approaches used by other social scientists.

The programme has a substantial theoretical and quantitative core but also delivers complementary qualitative training. This will provide an essential foundation for any working researcher, whether they are going on to do a PhD or otherwise engaged in research. The training will enable you to think through how you can use your knowledge and skills in advanced quantitative methods in different contexts, apply them to a variety of problems, and then identify your own needs for training.

The MRes forms part of a suite of interdisciplinary pathways that are delivered as part of the South West Doctoral Training Partnership. This pathway is a collaborative programme delivered across the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter. Core units are taught intensively, with time spent at each location. This collaborative delivery means that the expertise of academics at each institution can be made available to students from all three universities, enhancing the training capacity of each.

Programme structure

The compulsory units include the following:

  • Mathematics and Programming Skills for Social Scientists (15 credits)
  • Research Design Methods & Skills in the Social Sciences (15 credits)
  • Advanced Quantitative Methods for Social and Policy Research (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences (20 credits).

The recommended list of optional units for this programme is shown below. Students are encouraged to choose a minimum of 50 credit points and a maximum of 60 credit points from this list. Alternatively, students may wish to take units from across the faculty, or from the AQM programmes at Bath or Exeter, subject to timetabling and by agreement with the programme director and relevant unit convener. Depending on the institution offering them, units may be of different credit values; the minimum volume of credit required for this programme is 180.

  • Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R (20 credits)
  • Urban Analytics and City Science (20 credits)
  • An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management (20 credits)
  • Earth System Modeling (20 credits)
  • Supervised Individual Study (10 credits)

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MRes in Advanced Quantitative Methods.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class degree (or equivalent) with substantive quantitative elements (which is is normally considered to be at least 60 credits plus a quantitative dissertation). This MRes is only open to 1 + 3 ESRC funded students.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

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

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£4,800 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£2,400 per year
Overseas: full-time
£20,700 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.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 and +3 ESRC scholarships.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme provides outstanding academic and research training for prospective PhD students and can lead to careers in data and quantitative research.

Contact us

Contact
Philip Coupland, Postgraduate Student Administrator
Phone
+44 (0) 117 331 7328
Email
geog-pgadmis@bristol.ac.uk
Contact
Dr Emmanouil Tranos, Programme Director
Phone
+44 (0) 117 331 7328
Email
geog-pgadmis@bristol.ac.uk