The Department of Sociology at the University of Surrey has an impressive research record. It undertakes innovative and internationally recognised research in a wide range of substantive areas including social stratification, criminal justice, language and interaction, work and new technology, health and illness, the professions and religion. This research is informed by an interest in using and developing a wide range of theoretical ideas and developing new formal models as well as more conventional 'middle range' theories. The MSc in Social Research Methods is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council for its advanced course studentships.
People come on the course from a variety of backgrounds.
Some have recently graduated, whereas others have been in employment for some years. For all students it is a stimulating and demanding year. At the end of it, almost without exception, people feel that they have worked harder than they would have though possible and, as a result, are enormously better equiped to undertake research. The course has been running for seventeen years. Well over half the graduates have gone straight into a research position.