Methods and Statistics track (Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences)
Specialize in methods and statistics to tackle research questions with increasingly complex data. The Methods and Statistics program delves into the individual's behavior in different social contexts (e.g., peers, family, groups, social networks) with a specialization that has a strong analytical and quantitative focus. This is a track of the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Education and COVID-19
All education takes place on campus again, now that the coronavirus measures have been scaled back. Of course, we will always maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Therefore, a few basic measures still apply. For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, see our FAQs for prospective students.
to apply your knowledge
to improve your research skills
QS Ranking, 2022
Program and courses
Become specialized in methods and statistics while studying individual behaviors in different social contexts from three social sciences perspectives: social psychology, sociology, and organization studies.
- Learn how to design high quality research and develop and apply advanced statistical techniques to tackle research questions involving complex data.
- Your methodological and statistical skills, paired with interdisciplinary knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences, will give you a competitive advantage in a wide range of applied or fundamental (research) positions, but also in other fields like consultancy or marketing.
- Become part of a small-scale, interactive group of international, ambitious students with individual guidance from one of the renowned national and international academics.
- Apply your knowledge and research skills by participating in four in-house research traineeships, and one interantional research traineeship and write two scientific research papers as part of the curriculum.
Typical courses are:
- Mathematical Methods
- Categorical Data Analysis
- Multivariate Analysis, including Multilevel Models
- Bayesian Statistics
-
Ömer Emre Can Alagöz
Master's student"I learned advanced topics in categorical data analysis and improved my programming skills. With traineeships and the first-year paper, we were able to get hands-on experiences and decide in which direction we want to proceed. In the end, I am confident about my research skills and feel ready for pursuing a PhD."
-
Anya Tonne
Analytics Consultant at Cmotions"Extensive training in statistics is complemented by a diverse theoretical curriculum, which gives a great methodological knowledge on how to conduct research independently. Also, small class-sizes allowed us to discuss concepts in-depth and in a friendly atmosphere."
-
dr. Lieke Voncken
Researcher at Tilburg University"In the Research Master, I learned state-of-the-art methodology from experts in their fields. What I liked most was that I was able to choose a direction based on my own research interests. Also, I really liked the informal and friendly atmosphere. Because of this, we became a really close group."
Career prospects
As an all-round researcher, specialized in methods and statistics, you have a competitive advantage in any career that requires sharp analytical and problem-solving skills, project management, or hands-on experience with the full empirical research cycle. Our graduates have developed strong careers in- and outside academia, for example at research universities and institutes, and non- and for-profit organizations.
Recent alumni placements include:
- PhD student at Tilburg University
- Data Analyst at CITO
- Researcher at Eurostat
- Data scientist at CentERdata
- Data Analyst and Research Expert at ING Bank
Alumni facts
- Average number of months until first paid job: 3.5
- 75% find a job within 2 months after graduation
- Graduates considered the Master's program to be a good foundation of knowledge and skill development
- 75% would recommend this Master’s program to friends, family, or colleagues
Source: National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n=4

Application and admission
This Master's program starts:
End of August
Best preparatory programs:
Academic Bachelor's or Master's program in Psychology, Sociology, Organization Studies, or Human Resource Studies.
Pre-Master's program:
The Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences does not offer a pre-Master’s program. However, in case you successfully complete one of the pre-Master’s programs of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (e.g., the pre-Master's program in Sociology, Organization and Management Studies, or Human Resource Studies) you become eligible for admission to the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Please note that the other admission requirements and application procedure still apply.
Tuition fees and scholarships
International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.
Interested in this Master's program?

More information on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
-
12:30 - 16:30
Master Experience Days TSB
The Master Experience Days (MED) is a study- and career-orientation event for for all students looking for a Master's program of the Tilburg School for Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB).
-
13:30 - 15:30
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Discover our compact and green campus during the Campus Experience and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
-
09:15 - 17:00
Master's Open day
Interested in doing a Master's program? Find out which Master's program suits you best during our Master's Open day on March 18. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and study advisors your questions.
Interested in the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences?
Do you have:
-
the ambitions for an intellectual challenge
-
strong critical and analytical abilities
-
an interest in and experience with doing research
Then check your eligibility and the deadlines for application.