MSc Social Data Science at University of Essex

Programme overview

The MSc Social Data Science is a one-year full-time degree in the Department of Government that gives social science graduates a foundation in data science, with an emphasis on big data, new forms of data and computational methods. Modules are taught in Government and Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, with close links to Essex County Council, Essex Police and other public sector organisations.

Department: Department of Government | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules include a 60-credit core-with-options project module (GV993 or GV985), Programming for Data Scientists (15), Data Science and Decision Making (15) and Championing Your Research Idea (15), plus 85 credits of options and a non-credit Dissertation and Policy Portfolio Preparation module.

Career pathways

Graduates can work in market research, the media, central and local government and the private sector, developing analytical reasoning and research skills; Government graduates have joined the Civil Service, local government, the World Bank, the United Nations, NATO and YouGov.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree or international equivalent in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics or United States Politics; OR a 2.2 in any subject including two relevant modules (e.g. comparative political systems, econometrics, political economy, public policy analysis, quantitative reasoning). Also considered: unrelated degree with at least 5 years of work experience (e.g. NGO, UN, government; CV required), a lower class degree where relevant modules were passed at 2.2 or above, or a first class degree in any subject. English: IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all components for applicants whose first language is not English.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,600 for the whole programme. Fee period not labelled on the page; one-year full-time course Source

International applicants: GBP 25,925 for the whole programme. Fee period not labelled on the page; one-year full-time course Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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