MSc Applied Social Data Science

at University of Exeter

Policy-making in all sectors has become more data driven. Advanced training in issues of data use, data sharing, transparency, and accountability are important for both the public and private sectors.
 

Unlocking the potential of collecting, sharing and analysing massive amounts of administrative and economic, social and political information to bring economic and social benefits requires individuals trained in both evidence-based decision-making and social data science.
 

This programme will equip you with the technical understanding of a range of social data science techniques and the practical software and programming skills to implement these methods to address your research questions, allowing you to pursue other professional research activities.
 

You can further enhance your employability skills by undertaking either a work placement or industry-based research consultancy project. Previous students are now working for organisations such as the ONS Data Science camp, YouGov, the FCA and Defra.
 

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Compulsory modules

• Social Data Science and Policy Analytics    
• Data Visualisation    
• Mathematics and Programming Skills for Policy Analytics    
• Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project    

Normally a 2:1 Honours degree in a related subject, eg. social sciences, psychology and economics, with demonstrable evidence of data analysis training/content.
 

Please note, if we receive an application which we deem more suitable for one of our other data science programmes we may make an offer for that alternative programme.
 

English language requirements
 

• IELTS

  Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
   

• TOEFL

  Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

UK fees per year:
£10,000 full-time; £5,000 part-time
 

International fees per year:
£20,500 full-time

You will develop a number of skills that are valued in professional and managerial careers: the ability to research and analyse information from a variety of sources along with written and verbal skills needed to present and discuss your opinions. The understanding you will gain of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments, can also be relevant to both business and public sector appointments.