This qualification is being withdrawn from the MRS suite of qualifications. MRS will continue to offer assessment rounds for candidates who are already registered for assessment with MRS for the duration of the individual’s registration period to enable them to successfully complete the MRS Diploma qualification. No new registrations for this qualification are being accepted.

What will I gain from the qualification?

  • Understand, define and evaluate research objectives, based on a thorough understanding of the context and the business objectives
  • Design creative and appropriate research solutions to identified problems, based on a thorough understanding of approaches and techniques, and taking into account existing and potential constraints and limitations
  • Select appropriate techniques for the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data necessary to inform effective decision-making
  • Provide and justify recommendations to support the decision-making process, based on a thorough understanding of the information gathered during the research process
  • Manage the research process from inception to reporting and follow-up
  • Evaluate choices made at each stage in the process, identify any limitations and devise appropriate strategies for overcoming those limitations

The MRS Diploma comprises 5 units, each of which is individually assessed. In order to be awarded the qualification, all candidates must complete successfully:

  • units 1,2 & 5
  • either unit 3 or unit 4

Candidates are expected to follow the units in sequence as each builds on knowledge and skills developed in the previous.

  • Unit 1 - The Principles of Market & Social Research
  • Unit 2 - The Practice & Context of Market & Social Research
  • Unit 3 - Analysing & Interpreting Quant Market & Social Research Data
  • Unit 4 - Collecting, Analysing & Interpreting Qual Market & Social Res Data
  • Unit 5 - Case Studies in Market & Social Research

More information on the structure if the Diploma can be found in the Syllabus Section.

Assessments which fail to meet the Pass criteria
Candidates who fail to achieve the Pass criteria in unit will retain the grades achieved for any prior attained units. Candidates need only re-sit/re-submit the unit or units in which they were unsuccessful.

  • Candidates can take each of unit of assessment a maximum of three times within their four-year registration period. Candidates who are unsuccessful in a unit assessment on the third attempt are normally required to wait until the end of their four-year registration period before being able to re-register with MRS for assessment. Prior attainment of units in a previous registration period will not be carried forward. On re-registering candidates will be required to sit/re-sit assessment of all four units.
  • Similarly candidates who fail to successfully complete all four units within their four-year registration period are normally required to re-register with MRS for assessment, and prior attainment of units in a previous registration period will not be carried forward. On re-registering candidates will be required to sit/re-sit assessment all of the four units.
  • Extensions may be made to the registration period where Special Considerations are cited by a candidate. Candidates re-registering with MRS for assessment will be required to pay the published registration fee.
  • Candidates that receive a Fail grade for a unit of assessment are entitled to order a report. More information on the types of reports available can be found in the Enquiries & Appeals Information Document. Here is an example of a Unit 5 Examiner’s Report (Examination). Reports for other units will differ in format.
  • All resits or resubmissions will be charged at the published fee

Important Notice: It is MRS Policy not to release candidate scripts. There is no legal obligation for MRS to release candidate examination scripts. Indeed the Information Commissioner who is responsible for the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act which regulates personal data such as assessment documentation, recognises the special nature of examination scripts and has developed specific guidance on this topic which gives awarding bodies exemption for providing such information.

The Examiner Report provides an outline detail of the question requirement, for each question selected by the candidate. Feedback is given relating to how the candidate responded to the question, this includes weaknesses and where applicable the strengths. The grade achieved by the candidates for each part question and the overall grade achieved for the question is also detailed.

December 2023 Assessment Round

Unit 1 - Exam: 5th December 09.30am - 12.30pm
Unit 2 - Materials Despatch: 25th October                      Submission Date: 6th December
Unit 3 - Materials Despatch: 25th October                      Submission Date: 18th December
Unit 4 - Submission Date: 18th December
Unit 5 - Exam: 7th December 11.30am - 5.00pm 

Closing Date for entries: 16th October

Result Release Date: w/c 19th February 2024
Closing Date for enquiries: 29th March 2024

June 2024 Assessment Round

Unit 1 - Exam: 4th June 09.30am - 12.30pm
Unit 2 - Materials Despatch: 24th April                       Submission Date: 5th June
Unit 3 - Materials Despatch: 24th April                       Submission Date: 19thJune
Unit 4 - Submission Date: 19thJune
Unit 5 - Exam: 6th June 11.30am - 5.00pm

Closing Date for entries: 10th April

Result Release Date: w/c 19th August
Closing Date for enquiries: 27th September

December 2024 Assessment Round

Unit 1 - Exam: 3rd December 09.30am - 12.30pm
Unit 2 - Materials Despatch: 23rd October                      Submission Date: 4th December
Unit 3 - Materials Despatch: 23rd October                      Submission Date: 16th December
Unit 4 - Submission Date: 16th December
Unit 5 - Exam: 5th December 11.30am - 5.00pm 

Closing Date for entries: 14th October

Result Release Date: w/c 17th February 2025
Closing Date for enquiries: 25th March 2025

 

Past Assessment Materials

Unit 1 - The Principles of Market & Social Research

Unit 2 - The Practice & Context of Market & Social Research

Unit 3 - Analysing and Interpreting Quantitative Market & Social Research Data

Unit 4 - Collecting, Analysing and Interpreting Qualitative Market & Social Research Data

Unit 5 - Case Studies in Market & Social Research

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