Research Programmes

Unlike generalist courses, we offer deep-dive specialisations in over 15 sub areas across social sciences research. Our highly-selective programmes are held entirely online, giving you the flexibility to learn from anywhere while receiving direct guidance from world-leading professors.

Transform Curiosity into Research Inquiry

Choose a programme that fits your goals and plan. 

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The Collaborative Research Cohort

  • £ 2,200

An online 2-5 student group-based programme designed to support the collaborative research environment of think tanks, challenging participants to complete a research project in social sciences.

  • 12 weeks programme
  • Mentored by professors and researchers from world leading universities
  • Rigorous selection for 100+ projects across SSR subjects
  • Detailed grade report and recommendations letter
  • Application Deadline: 5 August 2026
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The Private Scholar Track​

  • £ 3,600
  • 1-on-1 12 Weeks Programme
  • Flexible online scheduling
  • Mentored by professors from world leading universities
  • Detailed grade report and recommendations letter
  • No application deadline; applications processed on a rolling basis

An 1-on-1 online programme designed for the highly motivated student seeking a bespoke research experience. This track offers direct, private access to a dedicated professor to refine a high-level individual project from concept to completion.

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The Private Scholar Track & Publication Programme

  • £ 5,900
  • For students aiming to submit work for publication (Guaranteed publication)
  • 1-on-1 12 Weeks Programme + Additional Publication Mentoring until Work Accepted (Approx. 8 weeks)
  • All other benefits from The Private Scholar Track

An 1-on-1 online programme designed for the highly motivated student seeking a bespoke research experience. In addition to the support from the Private Scholar Track programme, this programme adds another 8 weeks mentoring to help students submit work for publication. The publication of research work is guaranteed.

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Programme Structure


Topic Weeks (1-3): Foundations of Research Inquiry

Methodology Weeks (4-6): Research Framework, and Quantitative/Qualitative Modelling 

Research Weeks (7-12): Execute on Your Own Project

Scholarships & Financial Aid


All applicants are automatically considered for the merit-based scholarships. All the students in our last entry received £100 - £400 scholarships.

SSR also offers financial aid on a need-basis. You can indicate that you would like to be considered for financial aid on our application form.

Application Process

Step One

Application: complete and submit the application form on SSR Admissions Portal by 5 August 2026.

Step Two

Academic Interview: only shortlisted students will be invited for an academic interview.

Step Three

Conditional Offer: Applicants who pass the interview will receive conditional offers. Applicants on 1-on-1 Private Scholar Track programme will also receive an invite to meet the professor mentor.

Step Four

Official Offer: unconditional offer will be sent with programme details including timetable.

Programme Outcome

Advanced Research Training

Students master research inquiry techniques in 12 weeks or 20 weeks if work is to be published, encompassing literature review, data synthesis, and the application of rigorous social science methodologies.

A Distinctive Individual Research Project

Participants produce an individual research paper that demonstrates subject-matter expertise and serves as a cornerstone of their academic portfolio. Students enrolled on the publication programme will guarantee to have their work published in a journal or conference.

Academic Transcript and Grading Report

A signed report providing evidence of the student’s performance, technical mastery, and intellectual growth throughout the programme.

Formal Letter of Recommendation

A personalized recommendation letter detailing the student’s unique contributions, research abilities, and potential for success at top-tier universities.

Admission Deadlines & Start Dates (2026-27)

Cohort One - Summer

August Entry

Cohort Two - Winter

Jan Entry

Regular Application Deadline

5 August 2026

Regular Application Deadline

15 December 2026

Admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis. The 1-on-1 private track has NO deadlines. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Most summer programmes are designed to teach a specific curriculum or skill set through structured lessons. In contrast, SSR programmes are centred around a specific research project.

In a typical classroom setting, you have a teacher and a student. In SSR, that dynamic shifts toward a research mentor and a junior researcher.You aren’t just listening to lectures; you are receiving feedback on your methodology, your literature review, and your data analysis.The relationship is collaborative, mirroring the professional academic world.

Moreover, participation in an SSR programme often serves as a signal to universities and employers that you possess high-level analytical skills, persistence, and the ability to work independently.

Yes. SSR research programmes are scheduled online with the support from multiple platforms.

Generally speaking, our programmes consist of about 1.5 hours of face-to-face interaction hours per week. In addition to the class time, students will be expected to do literature research & reading, methodology exploration and essay writing. On average, excluding interaction hours, students are expected to devote another 4 – 6 hours a week for their programme.

To get more information about our programmes, please contact our Admin Team at info@ssruk.org.

SSR programmes run two cohorts each year. You can find our application deadlines and cohort dates here.

Not at all! Some students may come with a topic, but most refine their research question during the first few weeks with their mentor’s guidance.

Our students come from all around the world and our programme management team will coordinate schedules that work for everyone. Before the start of every programme, your availability and preference will be collected so that the team can find a time that works perfectly for everyone involved.

Internet (Zoom or compatible browser), front-facing camera, and microphone are the only requirements.

Some projects may require specific software to be installed, such as R, Python. Your mentor and TA will do their best to help you install those softwares.

Yes. All the sessions will be recorded and made available after class.

Students submit an online application via SSR’s Admissions Portal, which includes personal details and academic interests. Selected applicants are invited to an interview before final decisions. 

Yes, we offer financial aid on a need-basis. You can indicate that you would like to be considered for financial aid on our application form.

Besides financial aid, all applicants are automatically considered for the merit-based scholarships.

Students pay a deposit when they are accepted, with the remaining balance due before the programme begins. 

SSR is looking for students who are not just academically strong but who are passionate about conducting research on the subject for which they are applying. This means that students could demonstrate academic and research strength not only in the GPA, other test scores (if applicable) could also show that you are someone who possesses a genuine passion for learning and conducting research.

Students gain experience with academic research, mentorship from world-leading professors and researchers, and a completed research paper. Students develop critical skills in critical thinking, hypothesis development, research analysis, written and verbal communication, and time management.

Many students go on to publish their papers in academic conferences, journals or submit to competitions. Students often highlight their projects in their university applications.

All the students who complete the programme will receive a detailed grades report certified by SSR UK.

Students may ask their mentors for recommendations. Many of our mentors write recommendations for their students, though doing so is each mentor’s individual decision.

Students registered in the 1-0n-1 Private Scholar Track & Publication programme will get detailed support for preparing research work into publication. Our mentors will work closely with students to select a journal/conference, prepare the draft, submit and revise the paper. The support will guarantee publication.