UNIVERSITY OF EXETER · UNITED KINGDOM
MSc Social Data Science
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS 1234
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€30k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Top 15 in the UK for PoliticsPolitics Ranking
- Top 100 in the world for PoliticsGlobal Politics Ranking
- One of 15 UK universities with a Q-Step CentreQuantitative Skills Focus
- Optional work placement or industry research projectPractical Experience
- Specialise in policy subfieldsAreas of Focus
The MSc Social Data Science program at the University of Exeter equips you with the skills to apply data analysis techniques to policy-related questions, fostering evidence-based decision-making. You can specialize in areas like social and family policy, economic and public policy, environment, or criminal justice. The course is delivered by the Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2), providing essential mathematical and programming skills for data acquisition and analysis. You'll gain an understanding of complex political and cultural issues within dynamic environments, preparing you for careers in the public or private sectors, or for further PhD study. The program emphasizes practical application through optional work placements or industry-based research consultancy projects, allowing you to put your newly acquired social data science skills into practice.
Curriculum
The MSc Social Data Science program comprises 120 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules. Compulsory modules cover the politics of policy-making, evidence-based decision-making, data analysis at various policy stages, and the social complexities of policy creation. You will learn to transform data into graphical representations, analyze hypotheses, and present evidence, while gaining the necessary mathematical and programming skills. Optional modules can be chosen from Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology, and Politics departments to further tailor your studies.
- 1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
- Computational Social Science 1SPAM003
- Computational Social Science 2SPAM004
- Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy ProjectSSIM907
- Statistical ModellingSSIM915
- Data VisualisationSSIM918
- Qualitative Methods in Social ResearchPOLM063
- Qualitative Methods in Social ResearchPOLM140
- Data Governance and EthicsSOCM033
- Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging TechnologiesSPAM002
- Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social SciencesSPAM008
- Social NetworksSPAM031
- Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social SciencesSSI3021
Careers
Graduates from the MSc Social Data Science program are well-prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors. The skills acquired are highly relevant to roles requiring data analysis and evidence-based decision-making in complex environments.
- Data Scientist
- Policy Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students for the MSc Social Data Science program?
- Tuition fees for international students for the 2026/27 academic year are £25,550 full-time and £12,775 part-time.
- What is the duration of the MSc Social Data Science program?
- The program can be studied full-time for one year or part-time over two years.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Social Data Science program?
- You will need a 2:2 or above Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) from any academic background.
- How do international students demonstrate their English language proficiency?
- International students must meet English language proficiency standards, typically demonstrated through IELTS Profile B1, with specific equivalencies detailed on the university's English language requirements page.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Data Scientist, Policy Analyst, Data Analyst, and Researcher in both public and private sectors.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- The University of Exeter offers an Alumni Scholarship providing a 20% reduction on first-year tuition fees for eligible University of Exeter alumni beginning a postgraduate program in 2026/27.
Entry requirements
Honours degree2:2 or above (or equivalent)
IELTSProfile B1 (specific scores available on English language requirements page)
The University welcomes students from any academic background. If an application is deemed more suitable for another data science program, an offer for that alternative program may be made. Essential documentation for an initial decision is required.
Fees
Tuition (international)£25,550 full-time; £12,775 part-time
Tuition (home)£12,650 full-time; £6,325 part-time
LivingNot specified
Fees are for the 2026/27 academic year.
How to apply
1. Select Entry DetailsChoose your preferred entry date (e.g., September 2026) and mode of study (full-time or part-time).
2. Apply OnlineUse the provided links to submit your application. Fast-track options are available for current Exeter students.
3. Submit Required DocumentsEnsure you have all the essential documentation ready for your initial application decision. Refer to the guidance on supporting documents for taught programs.
4. Check English Language RequirementsInternational students must meet the English language proficiency standards, typically outlined under Profile B1, with specific equivalencies provided on the university's English language requirements page.
Scholarships
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship20% of first year tuition fees
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students for the MSc Social Data Science program?
+
Tuition fees for international students for the 2026/27 academic year are £25,550 full-time and £12,775 part-time.
What is the duration of the MSc Social Data Science program?
+
The program can be studied full-time for one year or part-time over two years.
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Social Data Science program?
+
You will need a 2:2 or above Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) from any academic background.
How do international students demonstrate their English language proficiency?
+
International students must meet English language proficiency standards, typically demonstrated through IELTS Profile B1, with specific equivalencies detailed on the university's English language requirements page.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Data Scientist, Policy Analyst, Data Analyst, and Researcher in both public and private sectors.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
The University of Exeter offers an Alumni Scholarship providing a 20% reduction on first-year tuition fees for eligible University of Exeter alumni beginning a postgraduate program in 2026/27.