Information Communication and the Social Sciences

The MSc in Social Data Science at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze, interpret, and leverage complex social data. Recognizing the crucial role that data plays in understanding social phenomena, this course combines rigorous training in data science, social sciences, and computational methods, preparing graduates for careers that require advanced analytical capabilities in diverse sectors such as government, academia, industry, and non-profit organizations.

Throughout the programme, students engage with a broad curriculum that covers fundamental topics including statistical analysis, machine learning, data management, and programming skills, alongside core social science theories and methods. The programme emphasizes practical application, enabling students to work with real-world datasets, develop robust analytical pipelines, and communicate their findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Critical discussions around ethical issues, privacy concerns, and the societal impacts of data-driven technologies are integral to the curriculum, fostering responsible and conscious data usage.

The MSc in Social Data Science is delivered by world-leading experts from the University of Oxford’s Department of Sociology, Department of Politics and International Relations, and the Oxford Internet Institute. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, project work, and hands-on data analysis, supported by state-of-the-art resources and computing facilities. Students also have opportunities to develop their research skills through dissertation projects that allow exploration of specific social issues using data science techniques.

This programme is particularly suitable for students with a background in social sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or related fields, who wish to deepen their understanding of data analysis within social contexts or pursue careers in data analytics, policy research, digital sociology, or academia. The interdisciplinary nature of the course ensures that graduates are not only proficient in technical skills but also able to critically evaluate data-driven insights within societal frameworks.

Graduates of the MSc in Social Data Science leave equipped with a versatile skill set that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis, critical thinking, and practical experience in handling large social datasets. Their training ensures they can contribute meaningfully to advancing knowledge, informing policy, and shaping innovative solutions to societal challenges in a data-rich world. With its strong emphasis on both technical competence and social responsibility, this programme prepares students to become leaders in the evolving landscape of social data science, making a tangible impact on research and society at large.

The multidisciplinary research OII's students undertake ranges across the social sciences, with most projects falling into the following broad themes:

• digital knowledge and culture
• digital politics and government
• education, wellbeing and digital life
• ethics and philosophy of information
• information geography and inequality
• information governance and security
• Internet economics
• social data science.

Over the course of this three- to four-year programme, you are expected to produce an important and original piece of scholarship that will make a significant contribution to the dynamic area of Internet research. On completion, you will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary to excel in teaching, research, policymaking or business.

OII faculty work on cutting-edge research in their fields. This innovative research is fully reflected in their teaching and supervision. As a doctoral student at the OII, you will address research questions from across the spectrum of disciplines. You will draw both on the multidisciplinary faculty and on the complementary strengths of your cohort of peers, who are building on literature from different disciplines to answer their research questions.

This system allows doctoral students to dig deeply into disciplinary questions in, for instance, politics or sociology, while also being able to place these questions into a broader picture of how the Internet can be theorized and researched.

The DPhil programme at the OII is also available on a part-time basis. The part-time version of the degree has the same high standards and requirements as the full-time degree, but spread over 6-8 years. The degree is particularly well suited for students who are seeking the flexibility of part-time study. Part-time study also provides an excellent opportunity for professionals in high tech industries to undertake rigorous long-term research that may be relevant to their working life. 

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

It is expected that all applicants will hold a taught masters or other advanced degree, normally passed with a mark of at least 67% (or a grade point average GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0), or an equivalent level of distinction- normally in one of the social sciences, including law- but candidates from other disciplines embracing the social study of technology will also be considered.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Strong analytical abilities in understanding the social aspects of the Internet, World Wide Web and related technologies, as shown by the candidate’s writing sample and/or the reports of referees, is required.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to 2,500 words
• Written work:One essay of 2,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The MSc in Social Data Science at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze complex social data using advanced quantitative and computational techniques. The programme integrates insights from social sciences, statistics, computer science, and data analytics, preparing graduates for roles in academia, industry, and public policy. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including data collection methods, data management, statistical modeling, machine learning, and the ethical considerations surrounding social data analysis. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience, with opportunities for students to work on real-world data projects and collaborate with academic researchers and industry partners. The program benefits from Oxford's world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant academic community. Students gain proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, essential for data analysis and visualization in social science contexts. The course structure typically involves core modules, elective topics, and a substantial research component culminating in a dissertation. Graduates of the MSc in Social Data Science are well-prepared to pursue careers in policy analysis, data consultancy, social research, or continue their academic pursuits through doctoral research. The program also fosters critical thinking about the social implications of data-driven decision-making and promotes ethical standards in data handling. Overall, the MSc in Social Data Science offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to understanding social phenomena through data, aligning with the evolving digital landscape and societal needs.