UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
Digital Sociology MSc
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- UK's top-ranked sociology department for research (REF 2021)Research Excellence
- Specialised Social Data Science pathway availableSpecialisation Option
- Focus on computational and traditional sociological methodsUnique Methodology
- One-year full-time studyDuration
The MSc in Digital Sociology at the University of Edinburgh addresses the growing demand for graduates equipped to analyze a world rapidly transforming through digital technologies. This program offers a rigorous foundation in understanding how digital technologies and data shape social institutions, relations, and everyday life. Students will gain essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct sociological research using new forms of social data, such as social media and 'digital trace' data. This program is designed for students keen to explore, study, and critically analyze the impact of digital technologies on society, its institutions, and culture. While a background in sociology is helpful, it is not strictly required. From the 2025/26 academic year, students can choose a dedicated Social Data Science pathway, focusing on computational methods, statistical programming, and advanced data analysis.
Curriculum
The program provides a comprehensive introduction to sociological research in the digital age, blending traditional sociological approaches with new theories and methods for understanding the digital world. It examines foundational questions in areas like inequality, demography, and labor research through the lens of digital transformation. Students will engage with specialized topics and receive methods training in areas such as computational text analysis and network analysis.
- Year 1 (MSc Full-time)
- Computational Sociology
- Computational Text Analysis
- Social Network Analysis
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic and English language entry requirements for the Digital Sociology MSc?
- You need a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline. For English language proficiency, common requirements include IELTS Academic with an overall score of 7.0 (no component below 6.0) or TOEFL-iBT with an overall score of 100 (no section below 20).
- What is the duration of the Digital Sociology MSc programme?
- The Digital Sociology MSc programme is a one-year full-time study.
- What are the tuition fees and estimated living costs for international students?
- Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year are available on the University's programme-specific fee page. For 2026-27, estimated living costs in Edinburgh for a postgraduate student are £18,504 per year, covering accommodation, food, and other expenses.
- Are there any scholarships or discounts available for this programme?
- University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition fee discount. The Tercentenary Award for Excellence offers £5,000 towards tuition fees for taught LLM or MSc programmes, with an application deadline of 01 May 2026.
- How do I apply for the Digital Sociology MSc?
- You should check the entry requirements, gather supporting documents like a personal statement and academic transcripts, and submit your application online through the University's portal. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Digital Sociology MSc?
- The programme equips graduates to analyze the impact of digital technologies on society, preparing them for roles that require understanding social dynamics in a digitally transformed world. Specific career outcomes are not detailed in the provided information.
Entry requirements
UK 2:1 honours degreeIn a relevant discipline, such as social sciences, statistics, data science, or computer science. Applicants without a direct relevant background will be considered based on their personal statement and other relevant experience.
IELTS AcademicOverall 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component
TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 Jan 2026Overall 100, with at least 20 in each component
TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 Jan 2026Overall 5.0, with at least 4.0 in each component
C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE)Overall 185, with at least 169 in each component
Trinity ISEISE III with passes in all four components
Oxford ELLTOverall 8, with at least 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English AdvancedOverall 155, with at least 135 in each component
English language test results must be no more than two years old (for IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced) or three and a half years old (for other accepted tests) by the program start date. A degree taught and assessed in English from a majority English-speaking country or an approved non-majority English-speaking country university may also satisfy the requirement. If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, your degree must be no more than five years old.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year are available on the University's programme-specific fee page.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year are available on the University's programme-specific fee page. University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% discount.
LivingFor 2026-27, estimated living costs in Edinburgh for a postgraduate student are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). This includes accommodation and utilities (£11,736), food and other shopping (£2,976), mobile phone (£144), socialising/leisure (£2,952), and local bus travel (£696). These are estimates and depend on personal choices, especially accommodation.
No deposit is required to secure your place. Living costs will likely increase with inflation each year.
How to apply
1. 1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet both the academic (UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline) and English language requirements. The program's specific requirements are detailed above.
2. 2. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including a personal statement, information about your skills and experience, and academic transcripts. Specific document requirements are usually detailed on the degree finder page for your program.
3. 3. Review Application DeadlinesCheck the degree finder for the specific application deadlines for the Digital Sociology MSc. Applying early is advisable.
4. 4. Submit Your ApplicationApply through the University's online application portal. Ensure all information is complete and accurate before submission.
5. 5. Track Your ApplicationAfter submission, you can track the status of your application online. You will be notified of the University's decision and can then accept your offer if successful.
Scholarships
Graduate Discount10% tuition fee reduction
Tercentenary Award for Excellence£5,000 towards tuition fees
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic and English language entry requirements for the Digital Sociology MSc?
+
You need a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline. For English language proficiency, common requirements include IELTS Academic with an overall score of 7.0 (no component below 6.0) or TOEFL-iBT with an overall score of 100 (no section below 20).
What is the duration of the Digital Sociology MSc programme?
+
The Digital Sociology MSc programme is a one-year full-time study.
What are the tuition fees and estimated living costs for international students?
+
Tuition fees for the 2026-27 academic year are available on the University's programme-specific fee page. For 2026-27, estimated living costs in Edinburgh for a postgraduate student are £18,504 per year, covering accommodation, food, and other expenses.
Are there any scholarships or discounts available for this programme?
+
University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% tuition fee discount. The Tercentenary Award for Excellence offers £5,000 towards tuition fees for taught LLM or MSc programmes, with an application deadline of 01 May 2026.
How do I apply for the Digital Sociology MSc?
+
You should check the entry requirements, gather supporting documents like a personal statement and academic transcripts, and submit your application online through the University's portal. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.
What are the career prospects after completing the Digital Sociology MSc?
+
The programme equips graduates to analyze the impact of digital technologies on society, preparing them for roles that require understanding social dynamics in a digitally transformed world. Specific career outcomes are not detailed in the provided information.