Methodology and Statistics of Behavioural and Social Sciences: Utrecht University

About the programme

The MSc programme in Methodology and Statistics in the Behavioural and Social Sciences was initiated by the Department of Methodology and Statistics of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Utrecht University, together with the Interuniversity Graduate School of Psychometrics and Sociometrics (IOPS-Utrecht).

The Methodology and Statistics Department combines a tradition of fundamental research in methodology and statistics with a strong interest in disseminating and promoting advanced research methods and statistical techniques in substantive fields.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme are able to carry out original research in the field of social science methodology and statistics. They can advise substantive researchers on advanced methodological and statistical issues.

MS graduates are also well equipped to enter a PhD programme in the area of fundamental research into social science methodology and statistics. The Master’s programme provides students with a good foundation in research design, data collection and advanced quantitative methods. MS graduates are also well equipped for jobs at organisations like, for example, Statistics Netherlands, CITO, and TNO, where research with respect to and applications of methods and statistics are at an academic level.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must hold an academic bachelors degree in Behavioural or Social Sciences.

• a basic course in introductory statistics including topics such: univariate descriptive statistics, correlation, univariate regression, one-way analysis of variance (both descriptive and inferential) and a basic course in the methodology of behavioural and/or social science research (experimentation, surveys, observational studies);
• knowledge of multivariate analysis tools such as factor analysis, reliability, multiple regression, analysis of variance, dummy variables;
• hands on experience with the tools just mentioned (for example, experience with SPSS).

English Language Requirement

All courses are taught in English, therefore all students are required to provide proof of their English language proficiency. Accepted minimum English language test scores are:

• TOEFL internet: 93
• IELTS: 6.5 (and 6.0 for written part)
• Cambridge EFL Advanced English: B
• Cambridge EFL Proficiency in English: C