MSc Social Network Analysis

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Students who fail to fulfil the requirements to pass the 180 credits necessary to attain the final degree of MSc can leave the course with the award of PGDip by passing 120 credits at the pass mark of 40%, or can qualify for the PGCert by passing 60 credits at the pass mark of 40%.

Students who do not fulfil the criteria for passing the taught element of the course at the master's level of 50% will not be permitted to progress to the dissertation element of the course, and will leave the course with the highest award that the credits that have been passed will allow.

University Regulations regarding re-sit, referral and compensation will apply within this course.

Human life runs on networks - of people, ideas, resources, and influence. From the intimacy of friendships and families to communication between global organisations and systems, our MSc in Social Network Analysis will give you the tools to understand social networks. You’ll uncover how social networks form, how they function, and why they matter.

Social network analysis can be applied to all sorts of groups. So, whether you’re interested in analysing criminal gangs, online communities or scientific networks, you’ll have scope to apply your skills to a subject that interests you.

As leading experts in the field, we offer unique and comprehensive training in social network analysis. Across your studies, we’ll equip you with the tools to track, quantify and understand social networks, including:

• theoretical foundations;
• skills to design a research project;
• data collection techniques;
• methods for the analysis and visualisation of network data;
• statistical modelling of networks.

You can also explore other relevant and interesting social science topics, with optional course units available covering topics such as protest and political mobilisation, gender and sexuality and postcolonial theory. As one of the largest sociological departments in the UK, there’s no shortage of topics you could cover.

Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from personalised support, allowing you to develop transferable skills in research, critical enquiry and creative thinking. You’ll graduate with the skills and experience you need for a successful career in a variety of sectors.

This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship offered by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), offering a unique, fully-funded route into postgraduate research. If your application is successful, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from master's-level study to a PhD. Find out more on our 1+3 ESRC NWSSDTP webpage.

This course aims to:

• Meet the increasing national and international demand of social network analysis in academic social research as well as commercial environment including market research, crime analysis and public health.
• Contribute to the national and international need for theoretically informed and methodologically skilled researchers in social network analysis.
• Train you in the necessary skills to understand and contribute to future developments in social network research.
• Provide advanced, systematic and critical knowledge of theoretical and methodological aspects of social network analysis in a vibrant and internationally leading research environment.
• Offer a unique set of skills in data visualisation and modelling techniques that are highly valuable in commercial and public sectors, with understanding of the implications for markets and policy.
• Prepare you for a PhD-level research career in academic life or as a professional in government, public and private sectors.

Thriving postgraduate community

With 30 academic staff and 60 postgraduates, you'll become a valued member of department that prioritises small-group teaching and community-building.

A prestigious department

Manchester is one of the world’s best institutions for the study and practice of sociology. We’re ranked as one of the top 10 universities in the world for delivering against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, making a positive impact across culture and creativity, economic development and inequalities, health and wellbeing, innovation and commercialisation, and sustainability and climate change. (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025).

An interdisciplinary approach

Our Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis brings together researchers across different disciplines to further important dialogues on social network analysis. As a student, you can get involved with our regular host seminar series and networking events.

This course is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:

• lectures;
• workshops;
• student-led presentations and debate;
• group work;
• individual research.

Most course units are assessed by 3,000-4,000-word essays, or by essay and presentation.

Part-time students

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time course.

Discover why our students chose our MSc in Social Network Analysis and what they loved about their time at Manchester – take a look at our student spotlights .

The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).

Our MSc Social Network Analysis course gives you the specialist skills required for a range of careers, such as in:

• academia;
• government departments;
• research institutes;
• commercial research.

You’ll also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as research design, effective communication and teamwork. Our highly skilled graduates go on to succeed in areas such as:

• consultancy;
• data analysis;
• data scientists with specialised skills in network analysis in areas like social media analytics;
• academia and teaching.

Another popular option is to continue specialising for a career in research and universities through a PhD at Manchester or another leading institution. This programme is eligible for NWSSDTP funding for pathways toward PhD programmes. Details can be found at Sociology | North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership .

The University has its own dedicated, award-winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, you’ll have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know you’re on the right path.