Why Study Social Statistics at Manchester?
At a glance
- Study at a University ranked in the UK top ten for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education University Rankings 2025).
- Investigate important social challenges by developing and applying cutting-edge quantitative methods.
- Learn from academics who have published top journals across diverse fields.
- Combine data analytics with subjects such as Economics, Criminology, Politics, Social Anthropology, and Sociology, rather than studying statistics in isolation.
Video: Why Study a Humanities Degree at The University of Manchester?
Frequently asked study questions
At the University of Manchester, Social Statistics brings together data and social science to develop practical skills in analysing and interpreting real-world data. You’ll learn how to use statistical software and analytical techniques to turn complex data into meaningful insights that can inform research, policy, and decision-making.
A Social Statistics degree can open up a wide range of careers where you can use data to understand society, solve problems and support decision-making. You could work in areas such as:
- data science
- government and public policy
- market research
- Consultancy:
- academia
- not-for-profit sector.
Graduates from The University of Manchester have gone on to work for organisations including:
- The Office for National Statistics
- The Home Office
- The Scottish Government
- Oxfam
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD);
- The United Nations; and
- data and research consultancies.
Social statistics is well suited to postgraduate study if you want to develop advanced skills in statistical analysis, social research and data science.
At The University of Manchester, postgraduate study can help you build on your existing knowledge and develop the expertise needed to analyse complex social data and conduct rigorous research.
You can explore areas such as social research methods, statistical modelling, and data science, with opportunities to apply quantitative methods to real-world social issues.
At Manchester, postgraduate opportunities include an MSc in Social Research Methods and Statistics, while Social Statistics also contributes to the MSc Data Science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of our teaching and research.