Applied Social Research

Course Overview

This Masters in Applied Social Research aims to equip students with the skills necessary to conduct social research, including advanced training in quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The course is multi-disciplinary and career-focused. We aim to create a stimulating learning environment for our students and put great store in the search for innovative directions in research. We teach through a combination of lectures and workshops which encourage interaction, dialogue and debate between students and between students and their lecturers. Our teaching team comprises individuals with high-level research and teaching skills who have a strong repertoire of experience in the design, conduct, and publication of research.



Using a combination of lectures, workshops and practical assignments, this M.Sc. programme trains graduates to design and conduct primary social research using both quantitative and qualitative research methods; analyse the research data collected using a variety of computer programmes; and to write and present research findings to a variety of audiences.



Is This Course For Me?

The course is designed for graduates in the Social Sciences who want to develop their research skills and gain employment in the area of research. This Masters is equally suited to those who wish to build research skills for application in their current work environments. The course also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate study, particularly for Ph.D. research.



Course Structure

The M.Sc. in Applied Social Research is a taught Masters programme which can be completed full-time in one year or part-time in two years.



The Masters programme consists of a number of integrated modules which run for between two and four semesters (depending on full or part-time registration). Students also complete a work placement over a period of eight weeks. Arrangements can be made for part-time students to complete the work placement over a shorter period. Alternatively, students who are in full or part-time employment can complete the work placement in their current place of employment by taking on some research-related tasks.

Course Content

The programme consists of the following modules: Qualitative Research Methods and Research Ethics; Quantitative Research Methods; Research Design, Evaluation Research and Literature Searches and Reviews; Work Placement; and a Research Dissertation.



A 20,000-word research dissertation is submitted by all students at the end of August (of Year One for full-time students and Year Two for part-time students). This applied research project is initiated following the completion of all course assignments.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) Honours degree in one of the Social Sciences. Applications from graduates in other disciplines who have relevant experience will also be considered.



Students will also be required to undergo Garda Vetting, you can learn more at: www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/postgraduates/garda-vetting.php



All applicants whose first language is not English or who have not been educated through the medium of English will need to present evidence of English language competency.



English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band C, see the English Language Requirements page.

Closing Date: 31st July 2025

1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time.

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Researchers and data analysts are in high demand in all areas of employment. There are excellent career opportunities, both in Ireland and abroad, for scientists and social scientists with both quantitative and qualitative research skills. The research and data analysis skills taught on this course have application in a wide range of areas, including scientific and health research, social work, education, child and youth studies, migration research, ageing and life course research, gender studies, marketing, management science, economics, psychology and sociology.



Our recent graduates work in diverse areas such as public health, social science and market research, social policy, and statistics. A large number are employed in university-based departments and research institutes, Government departments, statutory organisations, NGOs, and private research consultancies. Many of our graduates have gone on to study for a Ph.D.