Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences

Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences

The Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences (MRESS) programme offers a master's degree by research. It is primarily designed for social science graduates who are interested in upgrading their qualifications, knowledge and skills.

With its emphasis on using social science knowledge and developing or applying research to address evolving societal issues, the MRESS programme is suitable for those who:

• are keen to formulate innovative solutions to contemporary social science issues
• are interested in advancing the understanding, measurement, and application of well-being
• aspire to synthesise the field of well-being from various social science disciplines
• are from non-social science backgrounds but working in relevant industries.

Unique Features of the Programme

The MRESS programme leverages on the research expertise of the faculty in the School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences, and draws from and integrates across the various social science disciplines. This enables students to adopt a broader perspective to social issues. Students can opt to focus on applied issues in social sciences or in positive psychology and well-being while learning to translate their research skills and knowledge into applicable outputs and projects with real impact.

• Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• For SUSS graduate programmes that are conducted in the English Language, you must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement.
  • at least an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, or a TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 85 (internet-based), or a PTE Academic score of 58, or C1 Advanced score of 180 [score must be obtained within the last 2 years at point of application].
• Applicants with an undergraduate degree that was conducted in English but awarded by a non-English medium university must produce an official letter from the university to certify as such in order to seek waiver of the ELPR requirement.

As part of the application process, interested applicants are also required to submit a proposed topic or area of research (of about 500 words)

Compulsory

• Advanced Social Research Methods and Design
• Master Thesis

Electives

Choose 2

• Sustainable Development for Social Well-Being
• Current Debates and Developments in Positive Psychology and Well-being
• Contemporary Issues in Societies from a Multidisciplinary Social Science Perspective

Restricted Elective

• HDS501 Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis
• RSS503 Statistics and Data Analysis

Students from the programme are required to complete 60 credit units (cu) to graduate. The MRESS curriculum consists of four courses (20 cu) and a research thesis (40 cu). The four courses include two compulsory core courses and two seminar courses (to be chosen from a basket of three electives).

The MRESS programme is intended for graduates who seek to gain research experience in the social sciences. The programme equips them with the advanced research and analytical skills needed to conduct high-quality research independently, enabling them to acquire the requisite research experience for a research-oriented career, a doctoral programme, or an academic career.