Applied Social Data Science

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, data science, statistics or a quantitative field. Work experience is advantageous but not required.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MSc programme

This interdisciplinary programme will provide you with training in fundamental aspects of applied data science, computation and programming, and quantitative methods.

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.

With a background in social sciences, you will be trained to use data to answer interesting social science questions. You will take a series of project-based programming courses specifically designed for students without a formal computing or statistical background. A typical student will also have taken a prior course in quantitative methods or applied statistics at a basic level, although this is not a formal requirement.

You will become fluent in a variety of programming languages and applications, particularly R and Python, and will learn to create and manipulate large databases and think creatively about how to deploy these skills in the context of specific projects.

You will also have the opportunity to choose substantive electives, allowing you to tailor the programme to your particular interests. The programme will culminate in a Capstone project where you will creatively apply the technical skills you have learned to a project of your own design.

Department of Methodology

The Department of Methodology is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and teaching in the area of social science research methodology. The disciplinary backgrounds of the staff include political science, statistics, sociology, social psychology, anthropology and criminology. The Department coordinates and provides a focus for methodological activities at the School, in particular in the areas of graduate student (and staff) training and of methodological research.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.