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MSc Applied Social Data Science

With the rise of new and big forms of data, and computation and analytics forming ever-increasingly important elements of a wide range of professions, this programme will prepare you for a variety of careers in the private, non-profit and public sectors.

Information for prospective students

MSc Applied Social Data Science is now open for 2025/26 applications.

Visit the MSc Applied Social Data Science online prospectus page for full details.

The rapid rise of AI and big data are reshaping our world. This programme will equip you with cutting edge data science skills that are in demand across a variety of careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

You’ll acquire technical skills in applied data science, computation, programming, and quantitative methods, and learn how to use data to answer interesting and important social science questions.

The programme has a strong practical focus. You’ll take project-based programming courses specifically designed for students without a formal computing or statistical background. Nevertheless, a typical student will have taken at least two prior courses in quantitative methods or applied statistics at a basic or intermediate level.

You’ll master highly demanded programming languages including R and Python, learn how to construct and manipulate large databases, and creatively deploy newly acquired analytical skills on project-based tasks.

You can tailor the programme to suit your specific interests through a wide range of optional choices. A Capstone project gives you the chance to apply your new skills to an original social science problem of your choosing.

The MSc may be taken full-time over a calendar year, or part-time over two years. Please see the 杏吧论坛 Calendar for further information on the programme structure.

Aims and objectives

The MSc aims to provide:

  • Training in fundamental aspects of applied data science, computation and programming, and quantitative methods.
  • The skills of 'practical scholarship' built on a thorough grounding in the principles of quantitative social research
  • An advanced training in quantitative research methodologies
  • Experience in the design, collection, analysis and reporting of empirical social research
  • Training as a precursor to doctoral research and/or for employment in social research in the public and private sectors

The programme outcomes are:

  • Fluency in a variety of programming languages and applications, particularly R and Python
  • Understanding of quantitative research methodologies
  • Understanding of conceptual and methodological questions underlying quantitative research
  • Ability to create and manipulate large databases
  • Ability to design, conduct, analyse and report a social research project

How to apply

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science with evidence of quantitative training. Work experience is advantageous but not required.

In addition, for this programme, if your first language is not English, you must submit a writing sample of five-ten typewritten pages.

See 杏吧论坛's How to apply webpage or the  for answers to the vast majority of application-related queries.

Fees and funding

The  shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

At 杏吧论坛, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at 杏吧论坛 and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a  of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.

The funding deadline for needs-based awards from 杏吧论坛: 24 April 2025.

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.

You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or 杏吧论坛 scholarship once you’ve joined the School.

Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

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Further information

Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.

 

Current students

Please refer to the MSc Applied Social Data Science handbook and the  for programme information.

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