find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

Refine courses

Heriot-Watt University: Social and Behavioural Research Methods

Institution Heriot-Watt University View institution profile
Department Edinburgh Business School View department profile
Web www.hw.ac.uk/ebs/
Study type Taught

Summary

During the master’s programme, you’ll develop advanced research skills and techniques relevant to your chosen field of study. You’ll understand the principles of research design and strategy and be able to formulate research questions which are amenable to empirical investigation. You’ll be able to understand and apply a broad range of research methods, including quantitative and qualitative, and will use appropriate software for their application.

In semester 1, you will undertake research methods courses which provide you with a foundational understanding on how to do research in the Social Sciences, as well as introducing you to qualitative and quantitative research. In semester 2, you will have the opportunity to choose four optional courses from across the School of Social Sciences within the broad disciplines of Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Psychology, as well as courses designed to cut across disciplines. Each of these courses will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in research methods. We strongly encourage you to take an interdisciplinary approach in choosing your optional courses and develop your broad research skills, but you can also choose to follow a specific disciplinary pathway. This will allow you to customise your learning and develop your specific interests. Your dissertation in semester 3 will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination based on your core interest, whether it is an independent project in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, or Psychology.

You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be able to use a significant range of professional skills, techniques and materials to understand the application of good ethical practice across the entire research process.

Expertise Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as management consultants, tax and finance specialists, practitioner psychologists, translators, and interpreters. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Your learning environment This degree is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and lab work. You’ll also take part in regular Q&A sessions which will focus on various aspects of doing research, including research integrity and career options after graduation.

You’ll be assessed through a mix of coursework and a dissertation. You’ll receive support and feedback throughout the programme.

Customise your learning

Our MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods provides you with training and hands-on experience of research methods that will equip you with the ability to produce new knowledge in the field of Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Psychology.

You will study three core courses on the syllabus and choose four optional courses from a range of subjects within the Social Sciences. This allows you to tailor your degree to your specific interests or career goals by selecting specialist course options.

In semester 3, your dissertation will allow you to explore a topic of particular interest in-depth. You will be able to critically analyse and review academic studies in an objective and well-judged manner. You will learn and demonstrate a critical ability to use a range of techniques and research methods to produce this project.

You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team.

Master of Science - MSc (PG)

Heriot Watt

About Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University

Edinburgh Business School (EBS) at Heriot‑Watt University is a global leader in accessible, practice‑oriented education and research that promotes responsible business. With campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia, we connect more than 14,000 students from 130+ countries and a worldwide alumni network of 49,000.

We specialise in inclusive, experiential learning that equips ambitious postgraduates to tackle real‑world challenges. Our teaching and research drive impact in areas such as innovation, logistics, supply chain management, workplace inclusion, sustainable capitalism, and industrial decarbonisation.

Through strong partnerships with industry and government, we translate …

View Profile

Not what you are looking for?

Browse other courses in Business studies, Management, Research methods, Applied psychology, Scientific research methods or Social research, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.

Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com

Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.

Click here