MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice
The Market Research Society (MRS) Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice is designed for people who have just entered, or are seeking to enter, the research profession. If you are currently working in the field of social research or commercial marketing, then this course is for you.
MRS is the world's largest international membership organisation for professional researchers, and its members are found in positions of seniority across the industry. This qualification is recognised as one of the best of its kind, and will open doors for you to pursue a career in market research at the highest level.
Using distance learning and optional e-tutor support, you'll learn the principles and techniques which underpin effective research, as well as the theories of industry best practice. You will also increase your knowledge of relevant research processes – all of which will greatly enhance your employment prospects.
MRS is the only government-recognised body to provide vocational qualifications in this field – and BPP is the sole accredited supplier of distance learning programmes for MRS qualifications.
Key Information
- Learn the comprehensive research process – from start to finish
- Be part of the MRS community – the world's largest international research organisation
- Gain a practical understanding of effective research principles and techniques
- Study via distance learning for maximum convenience
- Incorporate MRS and industry best practice
- Benefit from the only government-recognised MRS qualification
Open doors with the MRS qualification
The MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice draws on industry best practice to provide you with a practical grounding in the principles and techniques of effective research.
The certificate gives you the opportunity to gain a uniquely prestigious award, that will open doors to a successful and rewarding career in professional research. It is the fastest-growing degree-level vocational qualification for the research sector, and is used and valued by leading global research organisations such as Ipsos MORI, Harris Interactive and Synovate.
BPP is the sole accredited supplier of distance learning for this course.
Study programme
The MRS Advanced Certificate is divided into eight sections, which take you through the chronological research process – from problem definition to reporting of results. These sections include:
- Introduction to market and social research
- Designing a research project
- Selecting an appropriate sample
- Planning and conducting qualitative research
- Planning and conducting quantitative research
- Designing instruments for gathering data
- Analysing research data
- Reporting research findings
Assessment
You will be assessed via a 3,000 to 3,500 word 'Integrated Assignment' and a two and a half hour written exam.
Dates and prices
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How to apply
To apply to study for the MRS Advanced Certificate, you'll need to complete a BPP application form. While there are no formal deadlines, due to high demand we recommend you apply as soon as you are ready.
The MRS Advanced Certificate is a degree-level, vocational qualification. To be eligible to study for it, you need to hold one or more of the following:
- One year or more of relevant experience in market or social research
- MRS Foundation Course Certificate
- MRS or City & Guilds Level Two Certificate in Market & Social Research
- Satisfactory nomination by employer
- Two 'A' Levels (or equivalent)
The MRS also recommends that you hold Mathematics and English GCSEs at grade 'C' or above (or equivalent).
If English is not your first language, you may be required to demonstrate your competence of the English language by producing one of the following certificates:
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (Grade 'C' or above)
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (Grade 'B' or above)
- IELTS (6.0 or above)
- TOEIC (880 or above)
Key dates
Course dates for the MRS Advanced Certificate course are available upon application.
For further information, email mrs@bpp.com
Distance learning course
As this is an distance learning only course, you can choose to study for the Advanced Certificate in one of two ways:
Materials only route
In this route, you study for the qualification using our specially designed distance learning materials, following a personalised study timetable we provide at the beginning of your course. You attempt the mock exam at home and suggested solutions will be emailed to you, or you can choose to purchase our marking service and receive feedback on your mock exam performance. At the end of your course, you submit your Integrated Assignment to us for assessment and sit the exam at an MRS-designated centre.
E-tutor route
As well as receiving our distance learning materials and personalised study timetable, you also have email access to one of our experienced e-tutors who will offer you invaluable advice on the preparation of your Integrated Assignment.
As you work through your distance learning course, you email your Integrated Assignment in stages to your e-tutor, who will review your submissions and offer constructive feedback. Our e-tutor team will also mark your mock exam and provide feedback on your performance.
As with the materials only route, you send your competed Integrated Assignment to us for assessment and sit the exam at an MRS-designated centre.
