Interdisciplinary, theoretically informed and socially engaged postgraduate courses
Social Research
Why study social research at Birkbeck?
Study social research in central London and learn how to investigate the issues shaping everyday life, from inequality and identity to politics, crime, and culture. You’ll gain practical research skills, explore real‑world case studies, and work with academics who are active researchers in their fields. Our interdisciplinary approach lets you tailor your studies to your interests, whether you’re passionate about gender, language, law, psychosocial studies, or social change. With flexible evening study in central London, you can build your qualifications while working, preparing you for careers in research, policy, community organisations, and further academic study.
Careers
Studying social research at Birkbeck gives you the practical research, analytical and communication skills that employers across the public, private, and voluntary sectors value. You’ll learn how to design studies, analyse data and turn evidence into insight, preparing you for roles that shape policy, support communities, and inform decision‑making. Graduates have gone on to work in organisations such as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, British Heart Foundation and the Violence Reduction Unit, Mayor of London. Graduates have secured positions such as:
- Social or policy researcher
- Community development or outreach officer
- Research assistant in universities, think tanks, or NGOs
- Data insight or evaluation specialist
- PhD study
Highlights
- Learn practical research skills through hands‑on projects, real‑world case studies and teaching led by active social science researchers.
- Diverse selection of modules in computational, quantitative and qualitative social science research.
- Fit your studies around work and life with flexible evening classes and supportive, accessible teaching.
