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Research Methods Centre
A collection of books from the School of Government and International Affairs

Social Research Methods

We run several interdisciplinary MA programmes in social research methods. Each programme draws on a wide range of methods and approaches, offering you the possibility of learning across departments as part of our interdisciplinary and diverse research environment. A postgraduate certification is also available. 

Our programmes are underpinned by globally recognised social sciences research and are delivered by world-leading researchers and educators.

Our Programmes

We currently offer the following specialisms:

MA Social and Economic History (Research Methods)

Build awareness of the contemporary boundaries of social and economic history.
Students sat round a table with laptops

Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods

An accessible route to gain knowledge and skills in quantitative or qualitative research methods.
Students sitting in Kingsgate Bar

MA Research Methods (Developmental Psychology)

Develop crucial research skills in the study of typical and atypical development across the lifespan.
A child with researcher, taking part in a memory based experiment

MA Research Methods (Behavioural Sciences)

Develop crucial research skills in the study of human behaviour.
Group of people chatting at a team meeting

MA Research Methods (Politics, International Relations, Security)

Gain strong training in research methods in the fields of politics, international relations and security.
Students working at computers in a study room.

MA Social Research Methods

Gain core training in quantitative and qualitative methods combined with a range of options which explore core theories.
Students writing on board
University student
“The future of research is interdisciplinary methods. Working with top researchers in the field, our MA in Research Methods programmes help our students develop the critical skills they need to lead on cutting-edge methods research, be it in the public or private sector or academia.”
Professor Brian Castellani
Director of the Durham Research Methods Centre

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Accredited

Many of our programmes are recognised by the ESRC and can be taken as a standalone postgraduate programme. You can also undertake a Research Methods programme as part of an ESRC Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP) integrated postgraduate taught and research route (usually 1+3 or 3.5 years).

Find out more about NINE DTP.