Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice – online

Entry requirements

For entry onto the MSc: A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements. We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances we expect candidates to have at least five years of relevant professional learning. The Admissions team will holistically assess your application and determine the best route of entry for you. In some cases, this may be onto the PGCert in the first instance, from which students who attain a certain level in their modules will have the opportunity to progress to a full Masters degree. Students are also required to have a desired level of English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application requirements

• CV
• personal statement
• two original, signed references on headed paper
• academic transcripts and degree certificates

If you do not already have a degree, you will need to provide a 500-word (minimum) statement detailing your professional learning and experience.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice online programme will give you the vital skills needed to address the injustices that harm human and non-human populations and the environment. Tailoring your learning to suit your level of expertise you will:

• Develop your understanding of key issues in social and environmental justice and their sociopolitical contexts, and theories of social change
• Build your confidence in responsibly collecting quality data, including key concepts for data analysis, spatial data science, data modelling using real datasets, and using open-source platforms
• Construct engaging and accessible narratives with data, including data visualisation for lay and expert audiences
• Practice effective public engagement strategies, including using journalism outlets and social media for impactful communication
• Enjoy the flexibility to start at the beginning if you don't have a background in statistics, or take a more advanced class to enhance your existing skills
• Boost your impact potential by diversifying your science communications and data visualisation toolboxes

The Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice course is an online self-paced programme, with options to study for a PGCert, PGDip or an MSc.

Careers

This course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to make a success of your career, whether you are looking to grow in an existing role or are new to the sector. Our graduates work in a variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, in roles including policy advice, environmental economics, fundraising and communications, consultancy, and research.

We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage of your career you are at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.

The Careers Centre also offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their networks and developing skills to create their own successful careers.

Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute offers peer mentoring and an extensive suite of courses to support your academic and professional skills development.

Fees and funding

The University of St Andrews is committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances.

Successful entrants starting online studies at Masters level can apply for scholarships of up to £6000 towards the course fees.

• St Leonard's funding opportunities
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)